2024-11-05 05:00:00
Families with minor children, more and more numerous in Charleroi in situations of homelessness, will be able to go 7 days a week to the Transi toi day center (asbl Le Triangle) from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Resto du coeur will deliver meals every day of the week as it does throughout the year but, with the winter period, it will also be accessible to homeless and poorly housed people a few mornings per week.
More specific receptions are also organized during the days for people who encounter addictions: the non-profit organizations Le Comptoir, Diapason and Tremp’Ose (Trempoline) will be available throughout the winter.
The Relais Santé will continue to be the medical “dispensary” for homeless people, as it is all year round. Medical-nursing consultations will be organized there every week.
At the end of the afternoon and evening, homeless people can be received at the Evening Reception that the CPAS of Charleroi will organize from November 6 and throughout the winter period. This service, which has become an essential part of the Winter Plan over the years, allows people living on the streets to be sheltered while waiting for the night shelters to open.
Street workers from the APPUIS service of the CPAS of Charleroi, Solidarités Nouvelles, “Comme Chez Nous”, Bithume, and support services for people in prostitution will walk the streets and even the most remote corners of Charleroi in order to support people homeless people who do not necessarily use a help service.
Every night, until March 31, the night shelters will operate. Increases in the number of places are planned from the start of the winter period and will be further increased when temperatures are negative. Indeed, the APPUIS service of the CPAS of Charleroi is relaunching, on November 6, an additional night shelter which will be able to accommodate 25 people but will increase to 33 beds during periods of extreme cold. The Spinois night shelter (CPAS of Charleroi), operating all year round, increases from 33 to 40 beds from the beginning of November and will see its capacity increase to 44 during more wintery episodes. Places reserved for women are provided. Finally, the Triangle night shelter has, all year round, 16 beds intended to accommodate families with minors, single women or even couples. It should be noted that these public and associative night shelters operate in perfect symbiosis, which makes it possible to maximize accommodation evening after evening.
During possible episodes of extreme cold, the APPUIS service of the CPAS of Charleroi will switch to “crisis” mode from the first night of frost, this will involve moving to maximum accommodation capacity and finding accommodation for all people who request assistance. place in the night shelter. The SUPPORTED workers of the “Social Emergency” Mission will have to brave the harsh winter conditions in order to resolve all situations. It’s a huge challenge that puts a lot of strain on the teams but to which they always respond positively. Social emergency can be reached on 071/32 12 12 for any requests for assistance during these periods.
Once again we are entering a winter period knowing that the various services will be faced with, unfortunately, far too many people; that they will have to face crises; to individual situations that are sometimes very deteriorated but that the commitment of the services and the various network workers will be total in order to welcome users in the best conditions.
Different associations in the network are calling for volunteers to come and strengthen the teams during this winter period. The help of volunteers is essential to enable services to function well and to ensure appropriate reception for different groups in difficulty.
Charleroi: an assessment of the winter plan with distressing records, almost 50% more requests than offers in “very cold” night shelters
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**Interview with Marie Dupuis, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Charleroi Winter Support Initiative**
**Date:** November 5, 2024
**Location:** Charleroi Community Center
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Marie. Can you describe the new support services being offered for homeless families in Charleroi this winter?
**Marie Dupuis:** Thank you for having me! This winter, we’re expanding our services significantly for families, especially those with minor children. The Transi toi day center by asbl Le Triangle will now be open every day of the week, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing a safe space for families to stay warm and find support.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly important, especially with the colder months ahead. Are there additional resources for those in need of meals?
**Marie Dupuis:** Absolutely. The Resto du coeur will continue delivering meals daily, and during this winter period, they’ll expand their services to accommodate the homeless and poorly housed individuals with breakfast options a few mornings a week. It’s a crucial step in ensuring that these individuals have at least one warm meal each day.
**Interviewer:** What other specialized support will be available for people dealing with addictions?
**Marie Dupuis:** We recognize that addiction can be challenging for many, especially during winter. Non-profit organizations like Le Comptoir, Diapason, and Tremp’Ose will provide targeted receptions during the day for those encountering these issues, offering them a supportive environment to seek help.
**Interviewer:** Health services are also a major concern. How will the Relais Santé contribute to the winter support efforts?
**Marie Dupuis:** The Relais Santé will continue its vital role as a medical “dispensary” for homeless individuals, offering weekly medical-nursing consultations. It’s essential for us to ensure that health services remain accessible, especially during harsh weather conditions.
**Interviewer:** Many organizations are collaborating this winter. Can you tell us about the new evening reception service starting November 6?
**Marie Dupuis:** Yes, the CPAS of Charleroi is launching an Evening Reception service that will run throughout the winter. This initiative will provide shelter for those living on the streets until night shelters officially open, ensuring they have a warm place to wait.
**Interviewer:** It seems like a comprehensive approach. What can you tell us about the night shelters and their capacity?
**Marie Dupuis:** We’re working actively to increase shelter capacity during the winter. Until March 31, we will operate various night shelters each night. For example, we’re relaunching an additional night shelter that will start with 25 beds and can expand to 33 during extreme cold. The Spinois night shelter, which operates year-round, will also increase its capacity from 33 to 40 beds and even 44 during very cold spells.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, can you shed some light on the role of street workers in supporting the homeless community?
**Marie Dupuis:** Our dedicated street workers from the APPUIS service and several partner organizations will be actively engaging with homeless individuals across Charleroi. They will not only provide immediate support but also encourage those who may be hesitant to access formal services.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing this vital information, Marie. It’s encouraging to see how the community is coming together to support those in need this winter.
**Marie Dupuis:** Thank you for highlighting these important initiatives. Together, we can make a difference for those facing homelessness in Charleroi.
