The winter shelter in Leuven will commence on Sunday, November 15th, and will remain open until March 31st. Each day, twelve visitors can find a safe place to stay between 5:30 PM and 9 AM, including sanitary facilities, an evening meal, and breakfast. This initiative is part of Leuven's action plan against homelessness.
Beyond accommodation, staff from CAW Oost-Brabant and volunteers ensure a warm welcome and a listening ear. "The winter shelter is more than just a bed for the night," says Jeroen De Wilde, content director at CAW Oost-Brabant. "It's about building connections with the guests. Together, we assess their questions and needs, what they are entitled to, and what support can help them further."
Alderman for housing, Lies Corneillie, emphasizes the shelter's importance within the broader approach to homelessness. "Emergency shelter remains crucial, but our ultimate goal is for people to find a stable place to live again." The current location will be used for the last time; next winter, the shelter will move to a building on Sint-Jacobsplein.
The city and CAW are still seeking additional volunteers who can stay overnight at the shelter. Volunteers share meals with guests, offer a listening ear, watch TV, or play board games. Interested individuals can contact CAW at 016 15 25 17.
