STIB social team provides support to rough sleepers in Brussels’ metro stations
Brussels public transport operator STIB/MIVB has supported more than 300 homeless and vulnerable people since its Includo social team was established a year ago, the company reports. The project was based on a similar initiative by RATP, the Paris transport operator.
The team provides particular support to people seeking refuge in metro stations, carrying out more than 5,700 visits. “Includo’s presence makes a difference for passengers, STIB employees, vulnerable people and partners of associations,” the company said in a press release on Tuesday.
Includo provides first-line counselling in cooperation with the relevant organisations on the ground, including the city’s homeless shelter network and security services. They are also active in stations to keep travellers safe from incidents involving people with addictions.
"As valuable as the work of these teams is, it can really only be effective if there are enough shelters for people in distress on the network"
Since its creation, Includo has identified 24 priority stations. People seeking shelter there are referred to other competent organisations for support.
“As valuable as the work of these teams is, it can really only be effective if there are enough shelters for people in distress on the network,” STIB said. “This requires strong action on the part of the relevant authorities to provide sustainable solutions to the problem of homelessness in Brussels.”
It say that while it can offer support, it has only a limited scope of action. The lack of space in shelters “
makes sustainable solutions and joint efforts by all actors and agencies involved all the more important”.
The latest census by Bruss’Help, from November 2024, found that almost 10,000 people in the capital lack stable housing. This includes people sleeping rough on the streets or in metro stations, those living in shelters or other emergency accommodation, and people in squats. The number had increased by 25 per cent since the previous census in 2022.
© PHOTOS STIB/MIVB
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