Despite increased efforts to help the homeless in Brussels during heatwaves, the available resources remain limited, warned the homeless support non-profit in the Brussels-Capital Region, Bruss'help.
Although the winter months are difficult for those who are sleeping rough, the summer season comes with significant challenges.
"While winter makes distress visible and triggers a surge of solidarity, summer offers no respite for those living on the streets," the social emergency service, Samusocial, wrote in a statement in June.
Almost 10,000 people in the capital are homeless, according to the latest count by Bruss'help. They are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, heatstroke, and extreme fatigue due to medical vulnerabilities, prolonged exposure to the sun, and limited access to water and shaded areas.
Social isolation can also make cooling down harder: "Some people avoid air-conditioned public places for fear of rejection," explained Steven D'Heygere from Bruss'help.
Water & shade not guaranteed
To mitigate the impact of the heat, organisations like the Belgian Red Cross or Samusocial have stepped up their support systems to adjust to the weather. This includes outreach teams distributing water, increasing social vigilance, and directing those most vulnerable to available shelters or day centres to cool down.
However, the available resources to help are restricted. "Those working on the ground are doing their best to organise themselves, but resources remain limited, both in terms of staff and suitable infrastructure," D'Heygere told The Brussels Times.
The limited infrastructure includes shaded areas, showers and air conditioning. "Access to drinking water and cool spaces is not always guaranteed for everyone," he added.
(Digital) Help In Brussel
Amid the limited resources, Bruss'help’s Help In Brussel (HIB) system was developed. The initiative, which has been running for five years, provides an online overview of available facilities in the capital, helping to avoid overcrowding while improving collective response, D'Heygere explained.
"It enables any individual or social worker to quickly locate available resources such as drinking fountains, cool places and reception centres," he added.
A new version of the HIB is planned for this year, according to D'Heygere. "Among other things, it will allow establishments to update their own information, ensuring better responsiveness and data reliability during heatwaves or social emergencies."
Precarity all year round
While D'Heygere believes HIB is a step in the right direction, he stresses that public support is crucial, particularly during extreme weather.
“It is important to call the free emergency number managed by Samusocial (0800 99 340), or 112 if the person appears to be in immediate physical distress,” he said. "These are simple actions that can save lives."
Still, D'Heygere stresses the need for long-term responses. "This is the context for the Master Plan to end homelessness in the Brussels Region," he added.
The Plan includes a series of measures proposed by Bruss'help last year to tackle homelessness year-round.
"Climate hazards such as extreme heat and cold serve to highlight the precarious situations that exist all year round," he concluded.
