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Liege launches expansion of homeless shelter capacities as part of extreme weather planning
Liège has launched its extreme weather plan to expand its shelter capacities for homeless people.
Mayor of Liège Willy Demeyer requisitioned the Omnisports hall to lower pressure on shelters and called on police to shelter people who intend to spend the night outdoors.
City authorities pointed out that public servants look for homeless people during the day and early evening to inform them about shelters, warn about the risk of hypothermia and provide them with bus tickets to help them reach shelters.
The number of homeless people sleeping in shelters increased from about 95 in previous months to more than 120 in December.
Liège authorities stressed they were keeping a close eye on developments and announced plans to take further action if needed, pointing out that the extreme weather plan will remain in effect until temperatures rise.
City authorities noted that the extreme weather plan is aimed at protecting the homeless from the most severe weather and providing them with a warm and welcoming place to stay at night, when temperatures are lowest.
Liège thanked its partners for operating shelters and pointed out that shelter capacities have returned to pre-coronavirus crisis levels.
The city added that it hired six additional social workers to match increased shelter capacities and concluded that it is providing as many beds as possible while respecting health rules.
(Photo credit: Asbl Liège Sport – P. Forlin)
