Street workers Jörgen, Anse, and Jelle each cover specific zones in Aalst, including the shopping center, Watertorenwijk, Park Osbroek, Erembodegem, Terlinden, Keizershallen, Klein Parksken, the station area, Kern Rechteroever, and Arendwijk. Their workday often begins with a walk through a neighborhood, but its content depends on who they meet or who contacts them with a request for help or simply a need to talk. This can range from administrative assistance at the OCMW to visits to detainees.
Jelle emphasizes keeping his agenda as open as possible to observe patterns and understand the lives of neighborhood residents. Their work is not a 9-to-5 job; they also go out in the evenings and at night to truly know their area. Their findings are meticulously recorded by coordinator Jorg Sierens, who uses the Strava app to map visited neighborhoods and frequency, reporting to the city and aid workers.
To connect with people often avoided by others, street workers go to places they themselves would seek if they were homeless. By being present frequently in a neighborhood, they become a familiar face. Anse often initiates conversations based on interest and builds trust by sharing something about herself. They are sometimes called 'professional friends,' where the connection develops organically. Jörgen notes that behind people's outward appearance, such as being under the influence, often lies loneliness, a difficult past, or victimhood. Professional secrecy and the absence of a duty to report build trust, which is crucial.
Anse, who as a woman sometimes experiences different expectations from men, states she is not easily intimidated and sees humor as an important tool. When their 'social battery' is drained, they are honest with their 'guests,' who appreciate this directness. Jelle will be exhibiting his photography from December 4th at De Werf Cultuurhuis, involving his guests and respecting their privacy.
After twenty years, Jörgen observes an increase in homelessness and a lack of additional shelter spaces. He sees many people stuck in a cycle of poverty, but also notes positive changes in former heavy users. Jelle, who previously worked in Ghent, experiences less anonymity in Aalst, although this is also decreasing. They find the most satisfaction in making a difference for their guests, offering them peace, and earning the trust to be present in their lives.
