More than 1,300 homeless people in South West Flanders, 1/3 of which are children

The census of homeless people was done at the end of last year. The figures should provide a better insight into the profile of the target group and the extent of the problem. The cities involved can use the available data to guide their local approach to homelessness. It concerns homeless people in South-West Flanders, more specifically in Anzegem, Avelgem, Deerlijk, Harelbeke, Kortrijk, Kuurne, Lendelede, Menen, Spiere-Helkijn, Waregem, Wervik, Wevelgem, Wielsbeke and Zwevegem.

Most homeless people have been counted in Kortrijk: 570. In Lendelede there was only one.

Children also do not have a permanent home

In total, 1,313 homeless persons were counted in the participating cities and municipalities. According to the research team, those numbers are higher than previously estimated. More than a third (36.4%) of them are children. There are also half more men who are without a home than women. 29 percent of the homeless are between the ages of 30 and 39. In fact, more than 60 percent have Belgian nationality. Nearly one-fifth of those of other nationalities reside in the country illegally.

Most are singles without children (50.4%). 24 percent are single with children.

Most of them have a roof over their heads

Although not every homeless person actually lives on the street. Only seven of the counted homeless people have no roof over their heads. The others live either in a public place, in emergency shelters or shelters for the homeless, with family or friends, in an institution or in a garage or tent. Nearly 200 people are at risk of being evicted from their homes.

Addiction (24.3%) or mental health problems (27.1%) often play a role in the lives of the homeless. The past also has an impact on homeless people. 15.8 percent have a history in psychiatry. One tenth has ever received youth care and 13.9 percent has a history in prison.

Further research needed

It was the second time that the King Baudouin Foundation has conducted such an investigation, but the first time in our province. At the end of 2022, they will continue research, more specifically in the Middle Coast, Mid-West Flanders and the Bruges district.

The Flemish Government finances the organization of the counts.

street nurses

In the same region, nurses are now also taking to the streets to provide care for those who cannot or do not dare to see a doctor. They will be present at certain times to see if someone needs care. They will also work closely with community workers.

According to the project coordinators, many vulnerable people do not dare to seek help because they are afraid of the financial costs.

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