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🇧🇪 Belgium /Elections & Politics

Ghent housing coalition slams rental plan for vacant social homes: 'Profiting off the vulnerable'

From VRT NWS · (38m ago) Dutch Critical tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A coalition of 50 organizations in Ghent, Belgium, criticizes a housing company's plan to rent out vacant social housing units as temporary emergency housing.
  • The Wooncoalitie argues that renting these units at 75% of market value to vulnerable groups and those needing temporary shelter is exploitative and profits from those in need.
  • Housing company Thuispunt defends the initiative as a temporary measure to address urgent housing shortages, stating the units are for vulnerable populations and those facing immediate housing insecurity.

The Wooncoalitie, a significant alliance of 50 organizations in Ghent, has voiced strong opposition to Thuispunt's plan to lease vacant social housing units. These units, awaiting demolition or renovation, are slated for temporary use as emergency housing for vulnerable individuals and others facing immediate housing crises. The coalition argues that charging 75% of market value for these properties is exploitative, essentially turning the housing needs of the most vulnerable into a revenue stream.

The administrator wants to rent them out for 75 percent of the market value. Isn't that outrageous?

— WooncoalitieThe Wooncoalitie expresses its strong disapproval of the rental pricing for the temporary housing units.

Thuispunt, the housing company, maintains that this is a necessary, short-term solution to alleviate the severe housing shortage in Ghent. They emphasize that the units will primarily serve vulnerable groups, with a portion allocated through the CAW (Center for General Welfare) and the remainder for individuals experiencing sudden housing insecurity, such as those recently separated. The company highlights that these are not standard rental units but a specific measure for urgent cases.

The administrator wants to rent them out for 75 percent of the market value. Isn't that outrageous?

— Trui MaesTrui Maes of the Wooncoalitie criticizes the collaboration with a private partner for managing the housing units.

However, the Wooncoalitie questions the decision to partner with a private vacancy management company. They argue that the private partner will profit from the rentals, with a portion of the revenue going to Thuispunt. This arrangement, they contend, benefits private interests at the expense of the most vulnerable. The coalition suggests that alternative partners within existing housing organizations could have been explored, and calls for increased funding from the Flemish government to address the housing crisis without resorting to such measures.

It is therefore actually cashing in on the backs of the most vulnerable.

— Trui MaesTrui Maes explains the Wooncoalitie's view that the housing plan benefits private interests at the expense of vulnerable people.

From a local perspective in Ghent, this debate highlights the tension between addressing immediate housing needs and ensuring social housing remains affordable and accessible. While Thuispunt aims to provide immediate relief, the Wooncoalitie's concerns about market-driven solutions and private profit resonate with broader anxieties about the commodification of essential services. The core issue is whether temporary solutions should still be subject to market forces when dealing with the most vulnerable members of society.

Why not keep them exclusively for the most vulnerable?

— WooncoalitieThe Wooncoalitie questions the allocation of the housing units, suggesting they should be reserved solely for those most in need.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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