In Antwerp, the number of people without a roof over their heads has been rising for years. Today, an estimated 3,500 people are living on the streets. Among them are undocumented individuals, migrant workers, people struggling with mental health issues, and others who have ended up in vulnerable situations. Behind every number is a person with a story. On Monday, July 22, 2025, we joined the outreach team of CAW Antwerp to distribute Shelterbags to people forced to spend the night outside.
CAW Outreach in the heart of the city
CAW (Centrum Algemeen Welzijnswerk) is active on the streets of Antwerp every day with a dedicated outreach team that seeks out people experiencing homelessness. Their presence is visible often with coffee, tea, food, warm words, and practical support, including, this time, Shelterbags from Sheltersuit Foundation.
They visit places where unhoused people stay, such as the central station and its surroundings. It always starts with contact: with listening, with simply being there. In addition to their street rounds, there are also three weekly walk-in moments at their office, where people are welcome for help, a cup of coffee, a phone call, or just a quiet moment to rest.
Protection when shelter is out of reach
In winter, CAW had already distributed Sheltersuits, but in summer, a different kind of protection is needed. The Shelterbag is lightweight, water-repellent, and provides a safe place to sleep when shelter is unavailable. And that happens often. People without Belgian residency papers are only entitled to shelter during the winter months. As of April 1, they once again fall outside the system. In those cases, a Shelterbag is often the only thing offering protection against rain, cold, or the fear of sleeping outside at night.
Stories that stay with you
During our distribution, we meet a man from Suriname near the station. He stands there with his bags, tired but kind. We offer him a Shelterbag and explain how it works. For a moment, he’s silent. Then he says:
Is that for me? I don’t know what to say anymore. I’m so thankful for this.
- One of the Shelterbag recipients in Antwerp -
His words are touching, but it’s his gaze that stays with you.
We also meet Kevin, a man from Hungary who had previously worked in Germany. He tells us in German how he came to Antwerp for a job, but the promised work unexpectedly fell through. Since then, he’s been living on the street. Because he doesn’t have Belgian residency papers, he isn’t eligible for night shelter. He gratefully accepts the Shelterbag we give him. As we explain where he can go during the day, a hint of relief appears in his eyes. A small moment of hope in a life where so much has been lost.
A growing crisis that demands attention
The stories we hear are painful, but sadly, not unusual. The number of people becoming homeless continues to rise. In Antwerp alone, thousands are without shelter. Many of them are migrant workers from countries like Poland, who come here in search of work and a better life. But the reality is harsh. Without a network, without rights, without a place to stay, they fall through the cracks. As Geert from CAW puts it:
In Antwerp, an estimated 3,500 people are homeless. And that number is still growing
- Geert, CAW Outreach team Antwerpen -
Your support makes a difference
Summer or winter, people remain without shelter. And as long as there is no structural solution, initiatives like this remain essential. With a Shelterbag, you give someone a bit of safety, comfort, and the feeling that they are not forgotten.
Will you help too? Donate a Shelterbag. Let someone know they matter. Now more than ever.
