Social workers and health professionals urge government action

Luxembourg is committed to ending homelessness by 2030, but as of now, there are no clear strategies or data to achieve that goal, according to the association Solidaritéit mat den Heescherten (Solidarity with the Homeless). The group, led by Guy Foetz, president of the association and a member of the left-wing party Déi Lénk, criticises the lack of immediate assistance and calls on municipalities to take responsibility for emergency accommodations.

In a letter written by various social workers and healthcare professionals, they express their concerns about the absence of urgent help for those at risk of homelessness. Foetz believes that municipalities should be required to provide emergency housing and that a reliable system for support should be in place, especially for those who have been evicted but have nowhere to turn - too often, municipalities are unable to provide help.

Another significant issue is the amount of paperwork surrounding access to assistance. Many homeless people, who lack a permanent address, are unable to fill out the necessary forms required by social services, leaving them without support. Foetz also questions the government's ability to create a viable homelessness strategy without accurate data on the true extent of the issue.
 
Additionally, despite the authorities' promotion of mental health care, Foetz argues that there is a shortage of psychologists and therapists available to support vulnerable populations, a concern echoed in the letter from social workers and healthcare professionals. Foetz explains that many of these workers are reluctant to speak out about the issues and wish to remain anonymous for fear of losing their jobs.

This group had previously voiced similar criticisms in a letter earlier this year, by criticising the treatment of homeless people and their dire situation as early as July of this year.