October 17: A day to fight poverty, a duty to act in Liège and Wallonia
October 17 marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. A symbolic date, but also a wake-up call in a context where austerity policies are weakening the social aid systems in Belgium. Recent measures — such as time-limited unemployment benefits, the abolition of the Winter Plan, harsher migration policies, and job regime reforms — are deepening inequalities and increasing the vulnerability of millions across the country.
Liège matters — because every person matters
In Liège, this day holds particular importance. Nearly one-quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. The city is preparing for a new homelessness and inadequate housing count — a critical exercise to objectively assess a situation many believe has worsened since 2020, the year of the last count. At the time, nearly 500 people were homeless in Liège, including 78 children, and almost half of the adults faced substance use issues.
In the absence of more recent data, Wallonia relies on extrapolated figures. For 2024, this amounts to 19,387 people across the region. These numbers continue to rise: in Charleroi, the count went from 1,159 in 2021 to 2,515 in 2024; in Namur, considered more affluent, there was an increase of 396 during the same period. Liège, similar to Charleroi in size and socio-economic profile, is likely following the same alarming trend.
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A snapshot of reality
The count this Friday will take place in five municipalities (Liège, Seraing, Ans, Herstal, Saint-Nicolas). Conducted with the help of outreach social workers, the Walloon Homelessness Observatory, and the UCLouvain CIRTES team, it will provide a detailed snapshot of the situation by March 2026.
Social indicators in Liège are already alarming: 11,500 people receive help from the CPAS, and this number is expected to climb sharply. With 8,000 people projected to lose unemployment benefits, the CPAS estimates that 4,000 to 5,000 new requests for support will follow. To meet the demand, they’ve launched recruitment campaigns to hire around 50 new social workers.
Housing: a right, not a luxury
The housing crisis is worsening too: 3,045 people are on the waiting list for social housing in Liège city alone, while rent prices skyrocket. As social needs grow, resources are shrinking. The Walloon Region has reduced funding for social aid and non-profits, and the city of Liège — now under a budget management plan — has announced subsidy cuts of 15% in 2025 and 20% in 2026 for all associations.
Dignity, not charity
On October 17, we’re not asking for charity. We demand rights. We demand political decisions that support social justice. Yes, Friday’s count is important. But it will be meaningless without real support: housing, emergency shelter, human and dignified policies.
In Liège, like everywhere else, poverty cannot wait.