The situation of people without housing in Wallonia has been deteriorating year after year. Recent counts show that nearly 20,000 people in Wallonia are currently living on the streets or without stable accommodation. Behind these figures are organizations that provide shelter day and night and work towards sustainable rehousing of the most vulnerable – such as Street Nurses.
Public funding is essential to support the fight against homelessness
Their work is partly made possible thanks to public funding. But over the past few months, bad news has been piling up, and uncertainty now dominates the sector.
In September 2025, a shelter for homeless women in Charleroi was forced to close its doors due to the end of funding from the “Territoire Zéro Sans-Abrisme” program. A worrying signal for all stakeholders in the field.
This stands in stark contrast with earlier political promises. The Walloon government had declared in its policy statement that homelessness would be a priority and committed itself to strengthening Housing First programs.
At both federal and European levels, commitments have also been made, including the 2014 Cooperation Agreement on homelessness and the Lisbon Declaration, which commits Europe to ending homelessness by 2030.
Budget cuts and growing uncertainty
Unfortunately, the reality points in the opposite direction. On September 19, 2025, the federal government announced it would end its contribution to the Koudeplan (Cold Weather Plan), crucial during the winter months.
In Brussels, political deadlock has created total uncertainty for frontline organizations. In Wallonia, the 2025 budget has already cut funding for Relais sociaux as well as for housing. For 2026, it remains unclear whether projects linked to Territoire Zéro Sans-Abrisme will continue.
“Territoire Zéro Sans-Abrisme”: stalled after a hopeful start
This program was part of the Walloon recovery plan and allocated €34 million for 2024 and 2025. In Liège alone, almost €5 million was invested, supporting several initiatives, including Street Nurses.
But by autumn 2025, there is still no clarity about the future. Despite earlier promises from the competent minister, no guarantees have yet been given, leaving the sector in a state of deep concern.
Liège under extra pressure due to local cuts
As if that were not enough, the City of Liège has also reduced subsidies for associations. This “double scissors effect” – cuts at both regional and local levels – directly threatens the continuity of essential services for homeless people.
Major human consequences
Without sufficient financial support, many organizations will be unable to continue their activities. This means less shelter, less guidance, and fewer opportunities for sustainable housing. As a result, the number of people forced to live on the streets risks rising even further.
On top of this, stricter unemployment exclusion measures are pushing more people into poverty and adding further strain to a sector already under heavy pressure.
The Street Nurses branch in Wallonia hopes that public authorities will honor their commitments. Only then can the fight against homelessness – and the ambition to eradicate it by 2030 – remain achievable.