Child Homelessness Crisis in Brussels: 1,678 Children Sleeping Rough

Belgian child rights organizations are sounding the alarm as a growing number of children are forced to sleep on the streets of Brussels, with 1,678 children counted among the city's homeless population in 2024. This alarming trend represents a significant humanitarian crisis in the heart of Europe, with the situation expected to worsen dramatically when winter shelters close at the end of March 2026.

What is the Child Homelessness Crisis in Brussels?

The child homelessness crisis in Brussels refers to the alarming increase in children without proper housing who are forced to sleep in public spaces, emergency shelters, or temporary arrangements like cars and squats. According to the latest 2024 homelessness count, Brussels recorded 9,777 homeless people, with 1,678 of them being children. This represents a 25% increase in overall homelessness since 2022, with child homelessness following this concerning trend.

The Escalating Numbers: Statistics That Demand Attention

The 2024 homelessness count revealed several critical statistics:

• 1,678 children among Brussels' homeless population
• 9,777 total homeless individuals in Brussels (25% increase from 2022)
• 992 people sleeping in public spaces (23% increase since 2022)
• 285 family spaces in winter shelters scheduled to close March 2026
• 400 families turned away by Samusocial in February 2026 alone

Child rights organizations warn that the actual numbers are likely higher, as many families who requested shelter in 2025 were turned away and some no longer seek help from available services. 'The situation is absolutely inappropriate for children,' stated representatives from Kinderrechten.be, 'because this carries major risks for their safety, health, and development.'

Winter Shelter Closure: An Impending Disaster

At the end of March 2026, Brussels will close its winter shelters, eliminating 285 family spaces. This decision comes amid a broader European housing crisis that has affected multiple countries. The closure means that 285 people, including many children, will be left without shelter starting April 1, 2026. The federal government's decision to discontinue €65,000 in annual funding for winter shelters under the Cold Weather Plan has exacerbated the situation.

Root Causes: Why Are So Many Children Homeless?

Several factors contribute to this crisis:

1. Housing Shortages: Brussels faces severe housing accessibility issues, particularly for vulnerable groups
2. Asylum Policy Changes: Stricter asylum policies have increased homelessness among refugee families
3. Economic Pressures: Rising living costs and limited social support systems
4. Systemic Failures: Public policy imbalance favoring emergency shelter over sustainable solutions

Impact on Children: Beyond Just Shelter

When children lack stable housing, they face multiple risks:

Even when children aren't sleeping directly on the streets but are staying with acquaintances, in cars, or in squats, child rights organizations emphasize that these situations remain inappropriate living conditions for children's well-being.

Government Response and Calls to Action

Brussels Mayor Philippe Close has accused the federal government of treating Brussels 'like a dustbin,' noting that most homeless people in Brussels are asylum seekers, making them a federal responsibility. Child rights organizations are calling for urgent action:

• Keep the 285 winter shelter places open beyond March 2026
• Structurally expand shelter capacity for families
• Improve guidance and support for families in crisis
• Develop sustainable housing solutions rather than emergency measures

Broader Context: Homelessness Across Belgium

This crisis isn't isolated to Brussels. The federal government's decision affects winter shelters in multiple major cities including Antwerp, Ghent, Charleroi, and Liège. Organizations like Samusocial, Belrefugees, and Red Cross warn that while they don't depend solely on this specific funding, the measure will impact the entire sector as shelters are already operating at full capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many children are homeless in Brussels?

According to the 2024 count, 1,678 children were among Brussels' homeless population of 9,777 people. The actual number is likely higher due to unmet shelter requests and families not accessing services.

When do winter shelters close in Brussels?

Winter shelters in Brussels are scheduled to close at the end of March 2026, eliminating 285 family spaces starting April 1, 2026.

What happens to children when shelters close?

Children and families will be forced to sleep on the streets, in cars, squats, or other temporary arrangements that pose significant risks to their safety, health, and development.

What are child rights organizations calling for?

Organizations are calling for keeping winter shelters open, expanding family shelter capacity, improving support for families in crisis, and developing sustainable housing solutions.

Is this only a Brussels problem?

While most severe in Brussels, the federal government's funding cuts affect winter shelters in multiple Belgian cities, and similar housing affordability issues are emerging across Europe.

Sources

Kinderrechten.be Report on Child Homelessness

Brussels Times: Federal Funding Cut for Winter Shelters

The Bulletin: Federal Government Pulls Winter Shelter Funding

Brussels Reporter: 25% Increase in Homelessness