Hasselt residents object to third attempt to move homeless shelter Café Anoniem

Eleven residents and two businesses in Hasselt have joined forces against a third attempt to move homeless shelter Café Anoniem to the Oude Statie area near Truierbrug.

The neighborhood says it fears nuisance and questions how the city selected the location. Residents point to earlier problems at the shelter’s current site in Mouterijstraat, citing concerns about drug use, drug-related crime, vandalism and burglaries.

They also say the city has not shown that alternative sites were thoroughly examined. According to the objectors, possible redevelopment or new construction at the existing location was never properly investigated. They are seeking more clarity about the studies behind the Oude Statie choice, the project’s financial feasibility and how the facility would operate, affect the area or expand in the future.

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The past proves that there was nuisance at the location in Mouterijstraat.

Hasselt has pursued the relocation since 2019 because operators say the current building is outdated and no longer meets present needs. The project has secured 1.4 million euros in Flemish subsidies, while the city has committed 600,000 euros.

The province of Limburg previously raised questions twice and rejected permit applications, saying the project’s integration into the surrounding area and its impact were insufficiently clear. The city submitted a third application in June. Pending a permanent location, it has temporarily moved operations to modular units at the safety site on Zwarte Brugstraat, near the police and fire services. The public inquiry has ended, and a provincial decision is expected by the end of October.

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We are concerned about drug use, drug-related crime, vandalism and burglaries.