Antwerp (Eurotoday): Antwerp’s winter shelter for the homeless opens but has fewer beds due to asbestos found in the Desguinlei building. There are now 44 beds available instead of the usual 90, with 20 extra beds added at two other shelters. Alderman Tatjana Scheck said the city is working on a long-term fix and is watching the weather closely.
Antwerp‘s winter shelter for the homeless, which usually opens on November 15, has faced problems this year due to asbestos found in the Desguinlei building. While preparing for winter, workers discovered the asbestos, leading to quick action from city services. Alderman Tatjana Scheck (Vooruit) said that although the authorities responded quickly to handle the situation, the shelter will now open with fewer beds available.
How is Antwerp addressing reduced shelter capacity for the homeless this winter?
The city has arranged for 10 additional beds at the two other shelters, Victor 4 and De Biekorf, adding 20 beds to accommodate more individuals. This temporary solution brings the total capacity to 44 beds, which is still significantly below the usual 90 beds provided during the winter season. The reduced capacity will affect the city’s ability to support its homeless population during this time.
According to Scheck, the city is facing a temporary issue with shelter capacity and working quickly with partners to find a long-term solution, expecting it to take a few weeks. The shelter needs to be safe and provide necessary services like medical help, showers, and privacy for vulnerable individuals. They are monitoring the weather closely, as conditions will affect their plans, and have additional “freezer beds” ready if temperatures drop. However, Scheck noted that if someone arrives and all the beds are full, they will not be able to offer them a place.
Comments
5 responses to “Antwerp Opens Winter Shelter with 44 Beds Amidst Asbestos Crisis”
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Ah, marvelous planning from Antwerp—just when you think the city couldn’t get any cozier, they decide to throw in a winter shelter with 44 beds right in the thick of an asbestos crisis. Nothing says “hospitality” quite like a warm bed in a potentially hazardous environment; I suppose it’s all about keeping the locals on their toes. Cheers to the city for giving new meaning to the phrase “sleeping in hazardous conditions!”
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Ah, Antwerp’s winter shelter with 44 beds—because nothing says comfort in a crisis quite like a cozy spot to sleep amongst the delightful aroma of asbestos. Who needs a five-star hotel when you can experience the real charm of “survival of the fittest” in the heart of winter? Truly, it’s an innovative approach to hospitality that leaves you wondering if they’re aiming for a warm welcome or a health hazard.
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Ah, Antwerp really knows how to roll out the welcome mat—nothing says “cozy winter retreat” quite like a shelter packed with 44 beds and a side of asbestos. It’s like they’re saying, “Who needs a five-star hotel when you can have a five-star health hazard?” But hey, at least the locals can enjoy their winter nights with a touch of that charming Belgian flair.
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Ah, nothing like a cozy winter shelter in Antwerp to warm the heart—especially when it’s crafted with a side of asbestos! Who needs a good night’s sleep anyway when you can enjoy the charming ambiance of hazardous materials? It’s the perfect blend of ‘breathe deep’ and ‘stay warm’—truly the epitome of European multitasking!
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Ah, Antwerp’s winter shelter with a cozy 44 beds—just what you need when you’re dodging asbestos like it’s a game of hopscotch. Nothing says “welcome to winter” quite like a bed that might be more hazardous than the outside chill, but hey, at least it’s not in a snowstorm! Typical, isn’t it? When life gives you asbestos, you make a shelter—because who doesn’t love a bit of excitement with their seasonal hibernation?
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