Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Les Petits Riens opened a new center in Brussels for people in extreme poverty, accommodating 100 individuals daily and providing essential support services.
According to resources, Les Petits Riens started in 1937 as a non-profit. They gather, organize, and sell used items, using the money to support programs fighting poverty and social exclusion. They also run shelters, health services, and social centers to help those in need. On Thursday, the organization opened a new center for people in extreme poverty, welcoming up to 100 individuals daily in a friendly and safe environment. The new center, 328 Van Volxem Avenue in Forest, Brussels, is a 1,200-square-meter building. It was bought and renovated with a big private donation and extra money from the Joint Community Commission.
How Is Les Petits Riens Addressing Homelessness?
The organization said, “Recently, more homeless people in Brussels, as our teams have seen. They need more help with housing, health, money, and substance use.” In response to this “alarming” situation, Les Petits Riens has opened one of the biggest day centers in the capital. The center is open to everyone and provides various support services tailored to each person’s needs.
The center offers important services like social activities, showers, computer access, hot drinks, and more. It’s also the only center in Brussels that people with movement challenges can easily access. The building brings together other basic social services of Petits Riens. The first floor is for daytime services, and the upper floors have the association’s mental and social support services. “This centralization helps different services work together better, giving a more organized and helpful response to people’s needs and reducing the confusion in social assistance,” said the non-profit organization.
