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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

Hasselt Supports VZW Homie: "This Allows Us to Provide Extra Guidance to Young People"

From VRT NWS · (10m ago) Dutch Positive tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The city of Hasselt will provide 30,000 euros annually to vzw Homie, an organization supporting homeless youth.
  • This funding will enable vzw Homie to provide housing and guidance to 10 young people each year for the current legislative period.
  • The initiative aims to offer comprehensive support, including employment, education, and housing, to vulnerable young people facing difficult home situations.

Hasselt is stepping up to support its most vulnerable young residents. Our collaboration with vzw Homie marks a significant commitment to tackling youth homelessness in our city. By allocating 30,000 euros per year, we are not just providing funds; we are offering a lifeline to young people who have nowhere else to turn.

Naast opvang hebben we ook handen nodig en personeel is nu eenmaal heel duur

— Musti ÖnlenExplaining the need for additional funding to hire staff for vzw Homie.

This partnership will allow vzw Homie to expand its crucial work, offering not only shelter but also the vital guidance needed to navigate life's challenges. From finding employment and pursuing education to securing stable housing, these young individuals will receive comprehensive support. It's about empowering them to build a better future, free from the streets.

The story of Femke, a 22-year-old who found refuge with vzw Homie after her car broke down, highlights the urgent need for such services. Her positive experience underscores the impact of Musti Önlen's dedication and the effectiveness of Homie's approach. We are proud to support an organization that acts so swiftly and compassionately.

Ik vind deze samenwerking tussen de stad en vzw Homie heel mooi. Ook omdat het echt nodig is.

— FemkeA 22-year-old recipient of vzw Homie's services, expressing her positive view on the city's support.

As Councilman Dries Martens points out, 20% of all homeless individuals are young people. This is a stark reality that demands our attention. Hasselt is taking a leading role, and we urge other municipalities in Limburg to follow suit. No young person should have to sleep on the streets. This is a collective responsibility, and together, we can make a difference.

20% van alle daklozen zijn jongeren

— Dries MartensHasselt councilman highlighting the significant proportion of youth among the homeless.
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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