Union raises €24,000 for 8 Brussels homeless organisations

These are the eight organisations receiving support from Union Saint-Gilloise and Union Inspires through the 'When The Lights Go Off' campaign. These organisations responded to our project call last fall.

Through Union Inspires, Union Saint-Gilloise continues to leave its social and sustainable mark on our city. You can find more information about Union Inspires here.

Escale-Onderweg

Escale-Onderweg, located in Sint-Gillis, supports individuals and families in vulnerable situations, such as homelessness, the risk of losing housing, or the need for guidance.

They provide a shelter for women and families and an at-home support service.

Union's financial support will enable sports activities for residents of the shelter who otherwise face barriers such as financial limitations, psychological challenges due to life circumstances, or competing priorities. These leisure activities play an essential educational and social role, contributing to a positive environment for the growth and well-being of children and young people.

Waka-Up – Women’s Activities Kids Around – United People

Waka-Up’s mission is to make sports, artistic, and cultural activities accessible to women, aiming to strengthen social bonds, self-confidence, and self-worth.

The project focuses on women in challenging circumstances (homelessness, experiences of violence, etc.) who often carry traumatic experiences, making reintegration difficult.

Activities are free, organised in a male-free environment, and childcare is provided for participants’ children.

Union’s financial support will be used to organise various activities.

Le Chant d’Oiseau – Shelter for Women and Children

Le Chant d’Oiseau is a shelter for women in vulnerable situations. It offers temporary housing in a maternity home for mothers and expectant mothers in difficulty, often accompanied by their children.

The organisation’s primary goal is to provide a stable and safe environment while guiding residents toward autonomy through moral, educational, material, and administrative support in collaboration with other social services.

Union’s financial support will be used to organise activities that help develop new skills or foster shared, enjoyable moments.

La Bulle – Mobile Laundry Service

La Bulle provides a mobile laundry service with a van equipped with washers and dryers, stationed in squares near its target audience.

They offer a practical service that promotes dignity through better hygiene while serving as a means of connection and community-building.

Union’s financial support will be used to maintain and sustain their equipment, create and distribute hygiene kits specifically for women and families, and organise cultural, social, and community activities in the mobile village surrounding the laundry service.

Nativitas

Located in the heart of the Marolles, Nativitas' center "La Bicoque" offers shelter and community for people in precarious situations.

Their approach is based on three pillars:

• Meeting basic needs (social restaurant, showers, clothing bank, etc.).
• Supporting individuals to overcome challenges (transitional housing, administrative and legal assistance, etc.).
• Promoting personal development through access to cultural activities (language courses, cultural and artistic events, etc.).

Union’s financial support will go toward acquiring a new professional coffee machine, a hot water dispenser for tea, and a professional bain-marie.

Comité La Samaritaine

Comité La Samaritaine focuses on housing inclusion through three main priorities:

1. Access to sufficient, healthy, and sustainable food.
2. Individual social guidance.
3. Community work and lifelong education.

Union’s financial support will provide 30 daily hot meals during the coldest months for homeless individuals and those in need, who would typically have to pay €2.50 per meal.

Pigment

Pigment is a recognized organisation fighting poverty. Their target audience mainly includes individuals without valid residence permits who face systemic exclusion, resulting in extreme poverty, homelessness, malnutrition, health issues, mental challenges, abuse, and exploitation.

Union’s support will fund free nutritious meals and breakfasts, as well as emergency aid such as medical expenses, school fees, administrative costs, etc.

Hobo

Hobo is a day center for homeless individuals, focusing on five areas: accessible care (first-line and digital), career counseling, activity organisation, referrals to regular services, and raising awareness about homelessness-related issues.

While all homeless individuals are welcome, supporting certain groups, such as women, requires tailored methods and offerings.

Union’s support will help develop activities specifically for women in a safe and trusted environment and encourage participation in external activities.