A covered bus shelter on Kanaaldijk Noord-Oost in Helmond, intended as a daytime refuge for homeless people, had been furnished with boxes, chairs, desks and other items by people staying there. After conversations with the municipality, most of the furniture was removed, and fewer people are now staying at the site. Tents that had been set up behind the shelter also appear to have disappeared.

The municipality says the cold weather and the early opening of Helmond’s winter shelter, where people were actively referred, have also contributed to the lower number of occupants. The shelter on the canal remains in place for now. Nearby companies and some residents had complained about nuisance and waste, while homeless people said the new emergency shelter had too little capacity, with 10 places for about 30 people seeking accommodation.