The severe cold plan began a few days ago in Wallonia and will apply until March 31, 2025. For several months, help for homeless people is therefore reinforced. Like in Seraing where the non-profit organization “Un roof pour la nuit” offers a 24-hour service.
With the arrival of cold weather, help for the homeless increases. Like in Seraing where the non-profit organization “A roof for the night” rolled up its sleeves.
Francesco is one of the homeless people who benefit from the help provided by the non-profit organization. “I had my job and my home then overnight I found myself on the street“, he confides.
For him, who became homeless a month ago, the help of the non-profit organization is precious for “ne don’t sleep outside (…) now, it’s open until 8:30 a.m. so that avoids spending time outside. We can stay warm while we wait for things to settle down.“
As part of the Severe Cold Plan, the non-profit organization “A roof for the night” is extending its opening hours with the aim of not leaving anyone outside. “For the human side, that’s really what we put forward. They are people in their own right, they are not file numbers and we try to give them all the listening they need.”
In addition to a roof over their heads and a hot meal, the homeless people who benefit from these services find a framework. For example, two people a day volunteer to clear out and do the dishes. A gesture that seems obvious to them. “After all the efforts they make for us, it’s the least we can give them“, estimates Francesco. “We have nothing else to give them anyway“.
Among the other homeless people, Dominique also benefits from the services of the non-profit organization. At 64, this is the third time she has found herself on the street. In addition to being able to keep warm, the shelters also allow him to occupy himself. “The days are long so I like to keep myself busy“.
Every year, requests for accommodation in these shelters accumulate, especially in winter. The extreme cold plan is therefore essential, because it allows for continued reception of the homeless.
homeless homeless person extreme cold
