Wallonia’s cold weather plan, activated each year from 1 November to 31 March to support vulnerable members of society, will be adapted this year in light of the energy crisis.
The plan is designed to help people from the homeless and poor in times of colder temperatures and bad weather during the winter. This year, however, it will include support measures to help businesses, support structures and centres that assist these vulnerable groups, the Walloon Minister for Social Action, Christie Morreale, announced on Tuesday.
“Regardless of the context, whether it be day or night reception, meal distribution, access to toilets, or health service, every person has the right to be able to find housing, food, and medical care," said Morreale.
Concretely, a lump sum of €150 will be paid by the government to create available shelter places per night, and a €1,000 lump sum will be granted to these centres each day to help cope with increased energy expenditure.
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In total, €11 million will be granted to provide urgent food aid and reduce energy bills of these reception facilities during the winter period, the ministry announced in a press release.
The Walloon Government’s cold plan aims to offer unconditional and permanent support to vulnerable people. In Wallonia, seven urban social centres (Charleroi, Liège, La Louvière, Mons-Borinage, Namur, Tournai and Verviers) will coordinate operatives for this social action.
