One of the people we met during a Sheltersuit distribution is Johan. Johan was homeless and spent months sleeping in a Sheltersuit. Now, he has a roof over his head. He shares how the Sheltersuit helped him through the cold nights. His story shows how important it is to support people like Johan so they can survive the winter.
When we meet Johan in Antwerp, he greets us with a smile. It is freezing cold, but he still seems accustomed to it. "Sometimes there is a shelter spot, but often there isn’t. Then you have no choice and are left to fend for yourself. That’s why I was happy to have the Sheltersuit," says Johan.
The staff at ’t Vlot confirm his story. "The night shelter is usually full," one of them explains. "Anyone sleeping outside is vulnerable."
Currently, there are 3,454 homeless people in Antwerp, about 450 of whom sleep outside (source: VRT). To help these people, we carried out an initial distribution in Antwerp in December 2024 in collaboration with ’t Vlot. Together with local aid organizations, we distributed 120 Sheltersuits. Since there was still a high demand for these products afterward, we delivered another 80 suits in March 2025, most of which were handed out on the same day. This illustrates how severe the homelessness problem is.
The demand for Sheltersuits remains high, especially now that the number of available shelter beds has been reduced from 240 to just 115. This means that 125 people will lose their sleeping place in night shelters. No shelter means no place to sleep, making the Sheltersuit a solution in such situations.
A bit of rest, a bit of control
A home? For homeless people, that does not exist. A sleeping place for a homeless person is a bench at the station or a corner where they can stay warm unnoticed. The cold, the rain, the uncertainty – this is their daily reality. The Sheltersuit is more than just a jacket. It provides warmth, protection, and a sense of dignity in situations where these are often missing.
Niek Everts from ’t Vlot is grateful for the Sheltersuits. They provide a temporary solution for people who do not have access to a safe sleeping place. Though it is shameful that we are in a situation where they are needed."
Sheltersuits can save lives
Hope for the future, help someone survive the winter
We were able to distribute the Sheltersuits in Antwerp thanks to donations. Would you like to help people like Johan? A Sheltersuit costs €300 to produce. Your donation literally helps someone survive the winter.
Donate now and offer warmth and dignity to those who need it most.
How you can help
Homelessness is not just about lacking a home; it’s about lacking support. You can help by donating to organizations like Sheltersuit, advocating for systemic change, and challenging the stigma around homelessness.
- Donate: Every contribution to the Sheltersuit Foundation directly supports the production and distribution of Sheltersuits.
- Spread Awareness: Share our story on social media or discuss it with friends and family. Raising awareness is a powerful way to help.
- Volunteer: If you have skills, time, or resources to offer, consider volunteering with us or organizations like Veldwerk Haaglanden in your area.
