Brussels-based aid organization Samusocial reports turning away nearly 400 families and about 1,500 individuals since early August due to Belgium's increasingly strict asylum policies.

Despite Samusocial's unwavering support and non-judgmental approach, the shelter capacity crisis worsens, severely impacting vulnerable groups like families and women victims of domestic violence.

This situation highlights the broader challenges faced by social services amid restrictive immigration policies and limited emergency shelter resources.

Samusocial has been forced to refuse shelter to those in urgent need, including women victims of domestic violence and families with children, citing resource shortages and rising demand.

The new federal government policies aim to curb asylum seekers but have inadvertently led to increased homelessness and strained aid resources.

The worsening shelter crisis in Belgium affects multiple demographic groups, especially families seeking refuge, as emergency capacity continues to dwindle.

The rise in homeless families is directly linked to the tightening of asylum and reception policies, according to aid officials.

Federal Minister Anneleen Van Bossuyt dismisses the crisis, claiming that asylum seekers on the streets have chosen to be there and can return voluntarily to their countries.

Samusocial's leadership is calling for increased funding and resources from authorities to expand shelter capacity and meet the rising demand.

Samuel Roy, the general director of Samusocial, reports a record number of shelter refusals, with 100 families turned away in a single day.

Aid officials warn that the current shelter crisis leaves vulnerable populations at heightened risk, especially with winter approaching and temporary shelters nearing exhaustion.