People in Belgium Used Hashtags on Twitter to Offer Support

Just a few hours after the terrorist attacks in Brussels, a few, powerful hashtags have started surfacing. Similar to the beautiful messages spreading on Instagram, the hashtags are offering support, help, and comfort to those affected by the attacks.

One of the more popular hashtags is #ikwilhelpen, which roughly translated means "I want to help." People are offering their homes, Internet, and other amenities to anyone who needs it.

My place in Antwerp welcomes you (10 mins walking from Central Station), a couch and 2 mattresses and a warm hug <3 #ikwilhelpen

— Azzawi (@MahmoudAlazzawi) March 22, 2016

If you are stranded in Leuven and need a place to sleep: we have room for 2 people. 20 minutes from Leuven. #ikwilhelpen

— Mark Coenen (@Coenvas) March 22, 2016

It's similar to the hashtag #PorteOuverte, which means "Open Door," which was started as a similar concept after the Paris attacks in November.

10 of us at mine in the 6th, DM or tweet me if you need #PorteOuverte

— Liam Alcock (@jellywellywoowa) November 13, 2015

If someone needs a place to stay later or tonight near Watermael or Uccle, you're welcome. #ikwilhelpen #PorteOuverte #OpenHouse

— Özlem Ida Levin (@ozlemlevin) March 22, 2016

Another hashtag, #OpenHouse is also spreading to offer anyone a place to stay. According to BuzzFeed, it was started by Alexandre Alaphilippe, a communications manager who wanted to help.

#OpenHouse : share accomodations (via geoloc and DM) for people hurted or stuck after #Brusselsattacks

— AA (@AAlaphilippe) March 22, 2016

In Matonge for anyone who needs a safe place. #OpenHouse

— Brook duBois (@BrookduBois) March 22, 2016

Throughout this chaos and uncertainity, it's incredible that once again, people are are using social media to help each other and spread ideas of comfort and happiness.