Vilvoorde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The city of Vilvoorde is seeking volunteers to help run its winter shelter for homeless men, opening on December 1, 2025, alongside professional coordinators to support around 350 guests.
As VRT News reported, the city of Vilvoorde will open its winter shelter for homeless men on December 1, 2025, seeking volunteers for help. The shelter will be set up in the former Mivavil buildings and will offer space for about 350 men. Those staying there must be legally living in Belgium and have a connection to Vilvoorde.
Each guest will receive a hot meal, a bed, a shower, and breakfast before leaving in the morning. Separate shelters are available for women and families, where they can receive the care and protection suited to their needs.
What drives Vilvoorde to seek volunteers for its winter shelter?
The shelter’s daily operations will be led by professional coordinators, but much of the work depends on volunteers.
“Our winter shelter relies on people with a big heart,”
says Alderman Jan Anciaux (N-VA).
“Besides a bed, we also offer peace, structure, and a listening ear to people who temporarily have nowhere else to go.”
“We are looking for people who are empathetic and know how to tackle things.”
Ships Jan Anciaux
According to the officials, Volunteers are an important part of the Vilvoorde winter shelter. They take on evening, night, and morning shifts. No background in the social sector is required. New volunteers are supported by experienced helpers and professional staff, who guide them through each task. The city says the shelter depends on the dedication of volunteers to stay open and provide help through the winter.
“We’re looking for empathetic people who are proactive,”
says Anciaux.
Officials mentioned that the winter shelter offers more than a warm place to sleep. It gives people safety, support, and a chance to recover during the coldest months.
“Here, homeless people can catch their breath and start working on solutions. The stories you hear and the gratitude you receive in return are truly moving. Volunteers really make a difference,”
concludes Anciaux.
The Vilvoorde winter shelter began in 2016 after the city noticed more people were left without a place to stay during the cold months. What started as a small emergency project soon became a fixed part of the city’s winter plan.
In 2019, the shelter moved to the former Mivavil buildings, where there is more room and better facilities for guests. It opens every year on December 1 and stays active until March 31, depending on the weather. The project is run by the city’s social services together with local partners and volunteers.
Comments
20 responses to “Vilvoorde Seeks Volunteers for Winter Shelter Accommodating 350 Guests”
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Oh great, Vilvoorde’s looking for volunteers again! Because who wouldn’t want to trade their cozy evenings for a night shift in a shelter, right? 😂
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Oh, fantastic! Nothing screams “winter wonderland” quite like a shelter for 350 gents in need—because who doesn’t want to play Santa for a few months, eh? 🎅🥴
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Oh, how charming—Vilvoorde’s got 350 warm beds waiting for volunteers. Just what we need, another opportunity to practice our “big-hearted” empathy while dodging the chilly weather! 😏
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Oh, brilliant, nothing says winter like a cozy shelter for 350 guests! I mean, who doesn’t love spending their evenings serving soup to people instead of sipping mulled wine by the fire? 🍷😏
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Oh, fantastic! Nothing says ‘winter wonderland’ like cramming 350 guests under one roof with a few warm meals and a “listening ear.” Can’t wait for the next Brussels holiday card featuring the locals volunteering at the shelter! 😏
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Looking for volunteers, eh? Just what we need— more “empathetic” souls in a city that already has enough “big hearts” to keep a small country warm! 🥴
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Oh great, Vilvoorde’s opening a winter shelter and is on the lookout for volunteers! Because who wouldn’t want to spend their evenings in a building filled with 350 guests just trying to catch a break from the cold? 🥶
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Looks like Vilvoorde’s got a real blockbuster on their hands – a winter shelter for 350, because, you know, who doesn’t love a cozy holiday gathering of strangers in a former Mivavil? 🎄🛏️ Just what every city needs, right?
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Oh, lovely! Just what we need, more volunteers to play Santa Claus in Vilvoorde while the rest of us work our nine-to-fives. I can already see the heartwarming Instagram posts coming! 😏
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Oh, brilliant! Who wouldn’t want to spend their winter evenings shivering in a shelter with 350 blokes? Sounds like a perfect alternative to a cozy pub, innit? 😂
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Oh, how charming! Vilvoorde is throwing a winter party for the homeless and needs volunteers because, you know, who wouldn’t want to spend their evenings serving soup and listening to heartwarming stories? 🤷♂️ #DreamJob
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Oh, brilliant move, Vilvoorde! What could be more exciting than wrangling 350 guests in a freezing shelter while we have our lovely Belgian beer waiting for us? 🍻 Just what every volunteer dreams of, right? 🤪
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Oh, fantastic, Vilvoorde is hunting for some kind-hearted souls to brave the winter chill while serving 350 guests – because who wouldn’t want to play Santa in December? 🎅🍷 Just remember, folks, empathy is key, but hot chocolate skills might come in handy too!
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Oh, how charming! Nothing says “we care” like begging for volunteers to help out in the winter while the rest of us are busy enjoying our hot cocoa and avoiding frostbite. 🥶💼
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Oh, how generous of Vilvoorde to *graciously* ask for volunteers to help out the 350 guests in need—because who wouldn’t want to spend their winter nights in a cozy shelter with the chance of becoming a part-time therapist? 😅💼
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Volunteering for a winter shelter in Vilvoorde? Oh, what a delightful way to spend your evenings—who needs a warm pub and a pint when you can wrangle 350 freezing gentlemen instead? 😅 Cheers to saving the world, one chilly night at a time!
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Oh, lovely, Vilvoorde’s looking for volunteers again—because who wouldn’t want to trade a cozy evening in for a delightful night shift with 350 guests? Just remember to pack your empathy and a sturdy pair of shoes; it’s not a winter wonderland, it’s a heartwarming marathon! 😂🧣
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Oh, brilliant! Just what we need—350 men under one roof in the middle of winter. Sounds like a recipe for a lovely evening, eh? 😅
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Ah, nothing like a cozy winter shelter for 350 guests to really spice up the holiday season. Who needs a warm cup of cocoa when you can serve up some good ol’ empathy and a listening ear instead? 🥴✨
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Looks like Vilvoorde’s really rolling out the red carpet for the chilly season! Who wouldn’t want to spend their winter nights cozying up with 350 new mates in a former factory? 😂🥶
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