Our organization offers, as soon as possible and as much as possible, a roof and support for single mothers, unaccompanied minors, and families with young children who are waiting to be able to apply for asylum. After a long and painful journey, they are entitled to much more than just a tent in a park.
Dealing with the most urgent cases
In Brussels, near the Maximilian Park, our teams meet families, determine the most vulnerable profiles, and offer accommodation in night reception centers. They also ensure social permanence in the Maximilian Park to ensure that vulnerable profiles get priority registration of their asylum application with the Office des Etrangers. They answer the questions and concerns of each other and offer them assistance in their administrative procedures.
In the rest of the country, in addition to hosting 700 asylum seekers in single-family homes, Caritas International is responding to the humanitarian emergency and is now setting up an emergency reception for some 300 asylum seekers Additional.
Solidarity homeowners house admitted refugees
There are also equally pressing and urgent needs to be felt in the coming weeks when asylum seekers are granted admitted refugee status and will have to find accommodation and employment to begin their integration. Indeed, the integration work of an admitted refugee can only begin when the latter has found adequate and sustainable housing. Thus, they are entitled to the help of the CPAS and can obtain an identity card and enroll in language courses. Unfortunately, it is often extremely difficult for a refugee to obtain a lease. Caritas International supports them in their search for housing.
That is why, together with the solidarity-based owners who have responded to our appeal, we are developing a network of housing units where these admitted refugees can quickly settle. Today, we have already received more than 400 proposals that we are considering. Thank you to all those who have spoken and thank you for your understanding if our answer is sometimes prolonged, we have no choice but to deal with the most urgent and give priority to the proposals that we are able to accept in as soon as possible.
And tomorrow, we will turn to employers and schools of solidarity in the country to give every opportunity to integration.
You have been numerous in recent weeks to demonstrate placing your accommodation at their disposal, give your time, or make a donation. We find in this impulse of solidarity not only the means but also the energy to bring a human response to the needs of those who have had to leave everything and we cannot thank you enough!
Would you like to join us for in Belgian solidarity with refugees? Here are some ways to help us:
What help can you provide?
Do you have an unoccupied unit? We are always looking for solidarity-ready homeowners willing to shelter refugee candidates who have received their residence permit. You will find in this document the main questions to ask yourself beforehand.
You have time to give? In the weeks or months to come, goodwill will be welcomed to organize daily activities, to assist admitted asylum seekers and refugees in their search for work or learning French. Please apply here.
A place for solidarity within your company? Your experience in the labor market is particularly valuable to us and we would be delighted to connect you with an admitted refugee with an adapted profile asking only one thing: finding a place in the labor market to meet the needs of his family.
Q
A single address for your questions and suggestions : asile-asiel@caritasint.be. Or telephone 0471 72 05 42.
Once again we thank you!
