Faced with a worrying rise in the figures, the voluntary sector and businesses in Brussels are calling for a political commitment to combat homelessness.
Brussels, 18 June 2025
9,777 - that's the exact number of people living without stable accommodation in Brussels today. An increase of 25% in two years. This is according to the latest count published by Bruss'Help on 18 June. A reality that is taking root right in the heart of our capital.
Key figures from the survey:
- Nearly 10,000 people are homeless or inadequately housed, including:
- more than 1,600 minors in this situation
- almost 1,000 people living on the streets, a 20% increase
- more than 2,000 people living in squats or temporary occupations.
As organisations from the non-profit sector and business leaders based in Brussels, we cannot remain silent in the face of this situation. It is our duty to stand united and together call for a strong political response to a challenge that affects our region.
This request is being made in a particular context. One year after the regional elections in June 2024, the Brussels Region still lacks government. This situation of political deadlock cannot justify inaction in the face of the economic and social emergencies affecting the people of Brussels, businesses and, more broadly, the whole of Brussels civil society.
A shared concern
Homelessness is an obvious social challenge, but it is also a socio-economic one.
As well as causing human distress, the consequences of homelessness fuel feelings of insecurity, undermine the quality of urban life and the attractiveness of Brussels as a place to work, live and invest.
In recent years, a number of companies have expressed their concerns about the deteriorating living conditions in certain neighbourhoods, most recently at Porte de Namur. The latest census confirms these signals: exclusion is taking root and spreading.
However, we cannot endorse hasty one-shots without considering their consequences. We need to find lasting, structural solutions.
Therefore, we are calling for concrete solutions from our political leaders based on three pillars:
1. Create more accessible housing for all people in Brussels.
Access to housing is a fundamental link in curbing homelessness. We are calling for increased investment and the release of housing construction potential, including social housing and housing with a social purpose for the most vulnerable groups.
2. Strengthen health and social services for homeless and precariously housed people.
Support services for the homeless can no longer cope with the excessive demand. Policies must be strengthened to reduce the number of homeless people with a view to reintegrating them into society through housing. To achieve this, resources need to be sustained and increased. Housing reintegration policies must be coupled with comprehensive care: physical and mental health, administrative support, combating addiction, etc.
3. Ensure a dignified and realistic migration policy.
No measure will solve ‘homelessness’ without providing a structural solution for undocumented migrants and people seeking international protection who have been left to fend for themselves by the federal government.
Social players and the economic sector are ready to contribute to these challenges as partners:
1. Invest in affordable housing through effective public-private partnerships
The private sector can contribute, in particular, by:
- Supporting the provision of property to Social Housing Agencies,
- Investing in and financing housing solutions for all.
2. Support people on the road to independence
Companies can contribute:
- through donations - of groceries, equipment, skills and financial resources - to associations,
- by offering internships, jobs or training, in particular with the support of operators such as Duo for a Job to develop mentoring, Interskillar, Interface 3, ...
- by working actively with the Public Centre for Social Welfare, social economy operators or local reintegration initiatives.
3. Acting for an inclusive migration policy
Better integration through work, wherever legally possible, is essential.
It makes no sense for people who are capable of working to be left without rights or prospects. For undocumented workers, equal rights and access to legal employment must be guaranteed, for example by starting to abolish the requirement to leave the country in order to obtain a single permit. This is an essential measure, both for the dignity of workers and to combat undeclared work.
Why are we getting involved?
Because Brussels is unique in Belgium. As a major city and capital, it is exposed to extraordinary challenges. The federal government must provide specific responses, in particular by refinancing the Region.
Because we believe that social cohesion and diversity are the foundations of sustainable prosperity.
Because the image and attractiveness of Brussels also depend on its ability to take care of the most vulnerable.
Because a prosperous economy and a fully functioning labour market are essential if we are to escape poverty in the long term.
Because the city of tomorrow will be built with all its inhabitants, not at the expense of the most vulnerable.
Because without tackling the social divide, we cannot build a prosperous Brussels that shines in its own right.