There are currently 9,777 homeless individuals living on the streets of Brussels, an increase of a quarter compared to the last count in 2022, with more women joining the ranks of the homeless, according to a biennial count by the homeless organisation Bruss’Help.
Bruss’Help, a Brussels-based organisation dedicated to supporting the homeless and combating homelessness, has reported an alarming rise in the number of homeless individuals, with a 24.5% increase from the previous count conducted in 2022.
In addition to conducting the count, Bruss’Help has carried out an in-depth investigation into the living conditions of homeless individuals in Brussels, utilising over 5,134 completed questionnaires to shed light on the context, life trajectory, and dynamics of life on the streets.
The research reveals that a significant number of homeless individuals have been in precarious conditions or surviving on the streets for over two years; one in four of those found in emergency shelters had been living on the streets for more than two years, and a third lost their housing more than two years ago.
While male homelessness remains predominant, the number of homeless women is rising, with one in three survey respondents being female, including one in ten who are single mothers. These women frequently face unstable living situations with a heightened risk of violence.
Bruss’Help notes that the reasons for the increase are evident, pointing to “unaffordable rent prices” in Brussels, discrimination in accessing the private rental market, a lack of sustainable housing options, and difficulties in accessing social rights as key contributing factors.
