Luxembourg's homeless population holds steady, but true scale may be higher

The number of homeless individuals in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette has remained relatively stable over the past three years, according to Edvard Skrijelj, director of the Inter-Actions association. Skrijelj discussed the figures, derived from annual counts conducted since 2022, during an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Tuesday morning.

He emphasised that the data provides a "snapshot on a given evening", illustrating the scale of homelessness with nearly 200 individuals recorded in the capital during the most recent count.

Skrijelj directly addressed criticisms that the statistics may be underestimated, a concern also refuted by Minister for Family Affairs Max Hahn in a parliamentary committee on Monday. The director affirmed the count's integrity, noting that while the latest survey was completed about a month ago, the official figures are still being finalised.

The 2024 count identified 191 homeless people in Luxembourg City and 19 in Esch. However, Skrijelj pointed out that a more comprehensive picture emerges when including data from the Wanteraktioun shelter programme, which brings the total to approximately 360 homeless individuals and nearly 70 people classified as "sans domicile fixe" – a term for those without a fixed home who reside in shelters rather than on the street.

Methodology "can be improved"

The counting methodology, inspired by practices abroad, aims to understand the root causes of homelessness to better tailor social work and solutions. Skrijelj acknowledged that the process "can be improved."

Currently, the count has limitations. Social workers do not enter squats – illegally occupied private properties – and the survey is confined to Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette. It also does not include individuals who, on the night of the count, are staying temporarily with others.

Winter shelter initiative to launch amid ongoing debate on eligibility

The "Wanteraktioun" (Winter Action) shelter programme is scheduled to run from 15 November until mid-April 2026, as confirmed by the involved organisations: Inter-Actions, Help on the Ground (HUT), and the Luxembourg Red Cross.

The initiative aims to prevent anyone from freezing to death on the streets during the coldest months.

The programme's eligibility criteria, however, remain a point of discussion. The requirement introduced in 2024 – which made shelter placement contingent on proof of at least three months' presence in Luxembourg – had drawn significant criticism. At the time, the Minister for Family Affairs defended the measure as necessary to prevent "social tourism", citing a sharp increase in the number of people using the winter services.

When asked about this policy, Skrijelj declined to comment on the political decision. He stated that his organisation's focus remains on providing practical, on-the-ground assistance and working with individuals to find long-term solutions.