Brussels plans to upgrade accommodation for queer youth thanks to Nawal Ben Hamou -

The Brussels Region has started the acquisition of a third building which will allow it to accommodate around 30 people who are victims of domestic violence in 2024. At that time, there will be more than 50 reception places of this type in Brussels, for women victims of violence and LGBTQIA + young people in family breakdown, announced Friday the Secretary of State for Housing and Equal Opportunities Nawal Ben Hamou.

“The issue of women victims of domestic violence and wandering LGBTQIA + youth is an essential question for me. The Region has therefore acquired 3 shelters: in total, more than 50 places to accommodate these target groups in difficulty.” says Nawal Ben Hamou.

It will be the third reception initiative after two other buildings have already been purchased in 2021. In September, it concerned a building for the shelter of nine women who are victims of domestic violence and their children.

In November, it concerned a building for 15 people who have been rejected by their families because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The shelter will open in June of this year.

The opening of the third location is expected in early 2024. The Regional Public Service is looking for a suitable building, now that Prime Minister Rudi Vervoort (PS) has given the order. The reception initiatives are part of two Brussels plans, the Emergency Plan for Housing and the Brussels Plan to Combat Violence Against Women.