Who is Responsible for Homelessness in Brussels? Government, Corporate or the People

By: Veronica Broskovetz, Social Policy intern at Homeless Entrepreneur

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Who is Responsible for Homelessness in Brussels? Government, Corporate or the People

I am a social policy intern for the international nonprofit, Homeless Entrepreneur (HE). We work with homeless people, who want to be active, working citizens again. The three main programs we provide are: the Helpline via WhatsApp (+34 697 877 089), Voices, and the HELP Program. All of these contribute to empowering people made of potential out of homelessness with a job, home, and, of course, ambition.

We aim to inspire change on a macro level to reduce global homelessness. One of HE’s major projects is the EU Report of Assistance v. Empowerment, which will be presented to the EU Parliament. To do so we are focusing on 12 strategically chosen cities within the EU to gather greater research and data as well as connect with donors, interns, partners, volunteers and governmental officials. My focus throughout this internship has been on the city of Brussels, whose homeless problem has exponentially increased since 2010. Throughout my research and interviews, I couldn’t help but wonder “who should take responsibility for this homeless population that is not going to disappear overnight?”

Anti-homeless architecture in Brussels: Photo by Andrew Funk (Homeless Entrepreneur)

Finding information on homelessness and using that information to determine who is homeless, and why, in various regions was relatively easy for me. According to a field study and data by DIOGENES, composed by Bruss’help, the primary homeless population in Brussels, Belgium consists of asylum seekers, intra-EU migrants, and 42.6% are Belgian nationals. This is caused by the fact that many of the non-Belgian migrants cannot obtain residence status, which makes it difficult to have a consistent paycheck and healthcare. 

The more plausible question that must be asked is, whose responsibility is it to accommodate, take care of and empower this homeless population in Brussels? After speaking with Laura Fritz, project manager with FEANTSA and asking her this hard-to-answer question she concluded that “in a perfect world it would be the government’s responsibility.” Homeless Entrepreneur recognizes the role of the government, but strongly believes that the private and civic sector play an equally important role in ending and preventing homelessness. I also spoke with Adele Pierre, a census advisor with Bruss’Help, who organizes and conducts the data collection of homelessness in Brussels. She stated during our meeting that, “Most of the help comes from our volunteers and other NGOs, even the police help out.” When asked about the cost of conducting this activity to count the number of homeless people on one given day during the year, she said that it really doesn’t cost anything money wise but “costs a lot in people.” Homeless Entrepreneur favors taking the value of the volunteer time into consideration and would even go as far as saying that the government should give those individuals a tax-write off for their contribution to society.

The wide spectrum of homelessness, which goes beyond the number of people sleeping in the street on any given night, sheds light on the limits of how accurate these counts truly are. The public numbers we see represent a floor value, and, unfortunately, the sky’s the limit until we learn how to structure data on homelessness better. Professionalizing how the government collects this type of data will have a tremendous impact on how society sees and addresses homelessness, which is why we firmly advocate for improvements to take place.

Espace Léopold. Right in front of the European Parliament. Photo by Andrew Funk (Homeless Entrepreneur)

The private sector has yet to address homelessness properly; nonprofits are limited in size and funding, and the government claims to have a lack of resources, so… who’s responsible? 

The primary policies that have been established by the Belgian government revolve around emergency housing/shelter. An example would be Housing First, which was initiated in 2013. This is of course is quintessential to helping their large homeless population and perhaps the first step however after people are given a home below the market value they still lack the resources to be active, working citizens and can consolidate their status as a burden upon the state. Their solutions follow an assistance based approach. 

Fabio Betancourt, ambassador of HOMEcan and HELP beneficiary, presenting in front of PMI (Project Management Institute) in Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Veronica Broskovetz (Homeless Entrepreneur)

Why isn’t the homeless community being empowered? I spoke with Fabio Betancourt, one of the Homeless Entrepreneurs in our HELP program in Barcelona, Spain and asked him what he thought about this issue. He states that initially “you blame yourself” and that there are “very few places that accept you.” I also proceeded to ask him if he had received help from any other nonprofits in Spain and he said that he has received assistance-based support, but Homeless Entrepreneur was the only place he was truly being empowered. It is very hard if you are in the process of getting your documentation fixed. The aspects he’s found most helpful have been receiving professional development coaching support that makes him more employable as well as the IBM SkillsBuild certification.

State of Europe Unity in Peace. Photo by Andrew Funk (Homeless Entrepreneur)

The truth of the matter is that nonprofits throughout the EU are stretched too thin when it comes to constructing long lasting solutions; the government needs to start implementing empower-based models; and the corporate world has to include ending poverty into the design of its core business. A better sustainable revenue stream model must be created to ensure that NGOs are able to focus on their goal of ending homelessness while public-private-civic partnerships provide a better framework.

“Please listen to our song Brussels by Guillem S. Benet; imagine this city without homelessness; and let us know what you envisioned!”

— Andrew Funk, Founder President of Homeless Entrepreneur

If you live or work in Brussels, please connect with us via LinkedIn and become a volunteer or partner to speed up the process of empower people made of potential out of homelessness in your beautiful city.

*Thank you for reading this article! If you would like to contribute your thoughts, pictures or videos to this article or believe you have found mistakes and/or misinformation, please contact us and tell us about it by clicking on the button next to this text, so we can take your feedback into consideration.

Connect with the author, Veronica Broskovetz, via LinkedIn!

Works Cited:

Barbu, Simona. “Homelessness among Asylum-Seekers in Brussels.” Social Europe, 6 Sept. 

2024, www.socialeurope.eu/homelessness-among-asylum-seekers-in-brussels 

“European Homeless Entrepreneur Report on Assistance vs Empowerment.” Homeless 

Entrepreneur, www.homelessentrepreneur.org/en/solidary-projects/eu-he-ae-report 

Intra-Eu Migrants Experiencing Homelessness in Brussels, 

www.feantsa.org/public/user/Resources/reports/BRU_3690_RapportMigrants_EN_1_BD.pdf

The Role of Non-Profit Organisations in the Support Of ..., 

www.feantsaresearch.org/public/user/Observatory/2022/EJH_16-1/EJH_16-1_A5_v02.pdf

Times, The Brussels. “Breaking Point: Homelessness in Brussels Goes from Bad to Worse.” 

The Brussels Times, www.brusselstimes.com/678541/breaking-point-homelessness-in-brussels-goes-from-bad-to-worse

How a Cold Drop (DANA) Silences One Homeless Community in Valencia and Rattles Another One

On October 29, 2024, assuming that the city hall of Valencia’s count of people living in the streets in 2023 hasn’t been reduced, at least 471 homeless people were unexpectedly hit with a Cold Drop that has completely silenced them while increasing the number of new homeless people (1,152 homeless people according to Europa Press) being provided housing by Red Cross (Cruz Roja). One homeless community has been destroyed and silenced, and another one has been created and given visibility.

If you or anyone you know is currently affected by homelessness due to the Cold Drop (DANA) in Valencia, please contact our HELPLINE (+34 697 877 089)!

Why isn’t the press speaking about how the most vulnerable group has been affected?

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The growing number of deaths, which is currently at 214 (according to El País on November 3, 2024), could reach the total amount of 1,900 missing people who have been officially reported. Not one homeless person has been identified as dead or as a missing person.

This lack of visibility for the homeless community is not new. Approximately a month ago, El Periodico wrote a story about a woman who died at Plaza Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. We learned that she was homeless because a Homeless Entrepreneur, Fabio Betancourt, was friends with her. The fact she was homeless and that it took 4 hours for anyone to recognize she was dead went unmentioned.

Fabio also proactively reached out to homeless organizations in Valencia to see how the homeless community in Barcelona can provide direct support through Homeless Entrepreneur’s community.

“Approximately, 325,000 people are at ground zero of this tragedy and 75,000 homes have been destroyed.”

— Agencia EFE

How will government, corporations and citizens respond to this increase in homelessness?

If you use social media as a news source, you’ll get a quick feel of public opinion: government and corporate response is being deemed too late and too slow in viral content, and NGOs and citizens are mobilizing as quick as they can. Public figures are being attacked and the everyday citizen is stepping into the limelight.

“Imagine if society did the same with the same intensity for the 28,552 people offically declared homeless by Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and 2030 Agenda…”

— Andrew Funk, Founder President of Homeless Entrepreneur

Just like homelessness before this natural disaster, the pain and suffering is deep for those directly affected and hard to truly comprehend for those who are indirectly affected as they read about it on their smartphone in their downtime.

So Many New Questions for the Same Old Problem of Homelessness…

1. Will the “old” homeless community connect with the “new” homeless community and join forces to uplift each other?

2. Will homelessness get worse as poverty becomes the norm for a growing number of citizens affected by an unexpected crisis they are unable to respond to due to lack of resources and/or public/private/civic support?

3. What will we learn from this tragedy and will we be better prepared next time?

What are you going to do to help people experiencing homelessness in Valencia due to the Cold Drop? (Some options below)

Donating allows Homeless Entrepreneur to leverage its community, programs and resources to support people experiencing homelessness in Valencia, Spain due to the Cold Drop.

Volunteering allows you to providing greater impact through a coordinated approach to supporting people experiencing homelessness in Valencia, Spain due to the Cold Drop.

Sending us original pictures and videos related to people experiencing homelessness in Valencia, Spain due to the Cold Drop will allow us to generate more awareness and attract new unidentified resources to end homelessness for people experiencing it in Valencia, Spain.

According to Wikipedia, the Spanish government devised and enacted the Plan Sur, which rerouted the city's main river, the Turia, after the last similar tragedy, which took place in October, 1957, when flooding in Valencia killed 81 people while significantly damaging property.

How will the Spanish government, corporations and civil society respond this time?

Lastly, Homeless Entrepreneur would like to publicly express it condolenses to everyone who has been directly and indirectly affected by the Cold Drop in Valencia, Spain.

As the community of Valencia rebuilds again after this terrible tragedy, we only hope that society comes together to become stronger as it uplifts all of its citizens out of homelessness.

Homeless Health: Connecting Homeless Community with Health Sector

What are Homeless Entrepreneur’s health initiatives and how are you connected?

Written by Andria Thomas

The Importance of Health Access for the Homeless

Every day, we witness people experiencing homelessness. Whether it's seeing a woman holding a sign for help or watching a man trying to rest on bare concrete, our immediate thoughts often turn to providing essential necessities like food and shelter. While these are undeniably crucial, there is another vital aspect of their lives that frequently gets overlooked: health and well-being. Addressing the healthcare needs of the homeless community is not only a moral imperative but also a practical one, as it can significantly improve their quality of life and prospects for the future. This article explores the innovative efforts of Homeless Entrepreneur’s health department, which aims to connect the homeless with essential health services, bridging a critical gap in their care.

The determinants of health and well-being in human habitation are illustrated comprehensively in this diagram.

As we know, most people experiencing homelessness lack a network of resources. One of the most important resources a human can have is access to proper healthcare. According to the European Parliament, “poor health is both a factor and a consequence of homelessness.” The harsh realities of living on the streets or in unstable shelters expose homeless individuals to extreme weather, unsanitary environments, and constant stress, all of which contribute to deteriorating health. Chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and infectious diseases are prevalent, and these conditions are often left untreated due to the barriers in accessing healthcare.

Reagan Sohan, one of my fellow interns in the health department, emphasizes the importance of connecting homeless individuals to the medical community:

“The lack of access to healthcare for the homeless community is detrimental to their quality of life and personal health. Raising awareness on the importance of the issue connects those who need support to those who can provide it.”

— Reagan Sohan, Health Intern at Homeless Entrepreneur

By creating pathways to healthcare for the homeless community, we not only address immediate health concerns but also provide a foundation for long-term stability and improvement in their lives. Homeless Entrepreneur’s health department is a prime example of how targeted efforts can make a significant difference, offering hope and tangible benefits to one of society's most vulnerable populations.

HOMEcan: Bridging the Gap between Homeless Community & Medical World

Homeless Entrepreneur’s health department recognizes these challenges and seeks to bridge the gap by connecting homeless individuals with essential health services. It’s star initiative is curently HomeCAN, which is an educational campaign aimed at reimagining humanity's approach to ending homelessness, with a particular focus on those affected by cancer. Every year, one in twenty Europeans is diagnosed with cancer, and one in 829 Europeans experiences homelessness. Alarmingly, homeless Europeans are 41 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and the mortality rate from cancer is twice as high in the homeless community. These statistics highlight a pressing issue where homelessness and cancer intersect, affecting countless lives. Through workshops, seminars, and conferences, HomeCAN raises awareness and educates the public about the intersection of homelessness and cancer. This project promotes increased interaction between the homeless community and healthcare professionals, reducing barriers to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment options, and rehabilitation. HomeCAN's efforts foster greater knowledge and awareness, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for homeless individuals affected by cancer.

Ramón Feiner Bas, who lived on the streets for over a decade, shared his transformative experience:

“I managed to survive, living on the streets for 12-13 years, during which I met Tomás, a homeless man with cancer. He spoke highly of Andrew and Homeless Entrepreneur and how their team had helped him with a problem and facilitated its resolution. So, I decided to meet him and redirect my path upward and stay afloat.”

— Ramon Feiner, Homeless Entrepreneur graduate

Ramon’s testimony evidently shows the dedication of Homeless Entrepreneur’s call to action.

Two Homeless Entrepreneurs, Ramon Feiner Bas (right), and Fabio Betancourt (left) shared their experiences and insights on the impact of homelessness on their lives with me (Andria Thomas).

The second is the HELP program, a holistic one-year initiative designed to support the homeless on their path to independence. This integration creates a stable foundation for sustainable change through active citizenship, community involvement, and life purpose development. Homeless Entrepreneur is expanding the HELP Program’s health department to further connect the homeless to essential healthcare services and promoting healthy habits. This progress ensures that participants not only gain economic stability but also maintain and improve their health in all areas, which is vital for long-term success. Holistic health is extremely important to our wellbeing, and that is what this project is aiming to show. In my conversations with author and wellness coach, Claudia van Zuiden we discussed the power of health.

“Aligning our four sectors of health: mental, physical, social, and even spiritual, we can easier achieve this idea of a complete wellbeing.”

— Claudia van Zuiden, Coach Advisor at Homeless Entrepreneur

Homeless Entrepreneur supports the growth in these departments.

Homeless Entrepreneur’s health community is making significant strides in connecting homeless individuals with vital health services, promoting holistic well-being, and fostering a supportive community.

Broader Impacts and Future Connections

One of the challenges that comes with trying to connect people to resources is building the support network. Personally, I was challenged with making connections as soons as I enter Homeless Entrepreneur’s internship program. I have encountered many people experiencing homeless, and yes, I have empathized with their situations, but I never truly understood how it related to me. This was a significant barrier in my work and kept me from really doing more for the population that I am serving.

The biggest thing that helped me overcome this was piecing together how it affected me: a 19-year-old college student studying abroad in Barcelona. For example, less homelessness would create a healthier and safer environment for enter. Moreover, as someone who is entering a new country and is easily able to acquire housing, I realized that it is a basic human right to shelter. So, when we are talking about the relevance of homelessness, we must truly connect ourselves to the cause. How does improving access to healthcare for the homeless community affect the government? Well, it enhances public health and safety through reduced spread of infectious diseases. It leads to significant economic savings as preventive care and timely treatment reduce reliance on expensive emergency services. Additionally, providing better healthcare can contribute to social stability by lowering homelessness rates and associated social issues, ultimately fostering a more stable and prosperous community. How does improving the homeless’ access to healthcare affect Spanish businesses? Healthier homeless individuals are more likely to find stable employment, thus becoming potential customers for local businesses. This increased economic activity boosts sales and revenue for shops, restaurants, and other enterprises. Additionally, reducing homelessness and its associated public health issues enhances the city’s overall environment, making it more attractive to tourists and potential investors. 

Centro Médico Teknon in Barcelona highlights the importance of accessible healthcare for all citizens.

Moreover, companies that support or participate in health initiatives can enhance their corporate social responsibility profile, improving their reputation and customer loyalty. How does improving the homeless’ access to healthcare affect citizens? It creates a safer and cleaner urban environment, enhancing the quality of life for all residents. It fosters social cohesion and empathy, as citizens see tangible efforts to support vulnerable populations. It can lead to a more inclusive and compassionate society, where all members have the opportunity to thrive. So, I challenge you to think about how health and homelessness affect YOU. Everyone is connected to homelessness; it is just a matter of how deep you look into it. This is why Homeless Entrepreneur’s health department is so important. Homeless Entrepreneur is bridging the gap between not only the medical world and the homeless, but everyone to the homeless. By promoting health education, it gives everyone the opportunity to connect with people experiencing homeless, bringing them more support.

*Thank you for reading this article! If you would like to contribute your thoughts, pictures or videos to this article or believe you have found mistakes and/or misinformation, please contact us and tell us about it by clicking on the button next to this text, so we can take your feedback into consideration.

Connect with the author, Andria Thomas, via LinkedIn!