Visit to the reception center

Today we continued with a trip to a reception center (45 km outside of Brussels) in the small town of Scherpenheuvel. It can be compared to a shared accommodation in Germany. Here, mainly vulnerable groups of people (160 people) are accommodated. The big difference to Germany is that here there is a multidisciplinary team (psychologists, nurses, social assistants, child care, 50 volunteers) on site. There are contact persons 24/7. Catering is available on site. However, the residents have the opportunity to cook after reserving the kitchen. The accommodation is financed by the government. However, the facility is run by Caritas.

Two employees of Caritas Antwerp presented their projects in which people with multiple problems are intensively supported in their transition to independent living.

There are huge differences to our system, and the advantages and disadvantages are being discussed intensively.

And every day we hear that WhatsApp is the solution 😂