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Among the precarious population in the Brussels-Capital Region, homeless people are the most vulnerable, and require rapid access to adequate housing and commensurate with their income. In order to meet its commitments and stem the growing phenomenon of homelessness, the Brussels Government must establish a quota of social housing reserved for homeless people with a valid residence permit.

Brussels, 20 September 2023

Ahead of the Belgian elections in June 2024, the non-profit organisation Street Nurses is publishing its political memorandum with, as its main demand, priority access to social housing for homeless people in Brussels. As the number of homeless and inadequately housed people continues to rise, it is imperative that the next Brussels government commits to the fight against homelessness through concrete measures.

It was summer 2022... Thanks to your huge participation in our crowdfunding, we were able to raise 45.000€ for the building of modular housing in 2022. At that time, six modules were already installed on the Barcelona site in Forest and we were planning to invest in a new site in Neder-over-Heembeek. That's how far we've come!

In the framework of the European project Proximity Health, in response to the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Street Nurses participated in exchanges with other European organizations active in the fight against homelessness. This project led to the formulation of recommendations for the accompaniment of homeless people.

We want a genuine structural policy to end homelessness in Brussels! For the past few days, homeless and undocumented people have been in the spotlight. The Gare du Midi is now the scene of security measures aimed at putting an end to the station's persistent problems. The Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration has decided to temporarily suspend the reception of men within the Fedasil network, which will increase the number of people sleeping rough.

To facilitate communication with our homeless and re-housed patients, we’re looking for voluntary interpreters in different languages. Their role? To accompany our field teams during their encounters with people of foreign origin.

Why do Street nurses exist? We aim to reintegrate the most vulnerable homeless people through housing and  access to health, well-being, self-esteem and the possibility of making plans for the future.

Youki is the young female Prague Rattler belonging to Fiona who is responsible for housing on the My Way team. She goes on a house call with Fiona to Mr. F., a patient who has left street life behind and was helped to a home by Street Nurses. Youki is still young (1,5 year old) and small (2.7 kilos) but her influence is great!

Frida is a two-year old female Münsterländer which accompanies Sarah, nurse and psychologist, on some of her marauds. In her mediating role at Street Nurses, Frida helps Sarah to bond and open up a dialogue with homeless patients. But how does this work in practice?

It is a proven fact: therapy dogs can facilitate contacts, create a bond and improve the quality of our support for our patients. With some people, an even stronger bond is created! This is the case of Mr. D., who will no longer do without Walt.

Every year, the BRUZZ media organises its action Brussel helpt in support of a Brussels charity. In 2023, the funds raised will go to Street Nurses!

Do you enjoy cooking? Why not share a moment of solidarity with your friends and family or your network?

The National Holiday is an opportunity for the King to highlight remarkable people and/or causes that are close to his heart. This year, the end of homelessness and the team at the non-profit organisation Street Nurses are being honoured through the ennoblement of Emilie Meessen - the association's co-founder and delegated administrator.