Brussels is home to a diverse population, including thousands of refugees and asylum seekers who flee war, persecution, and poverty. While the Belgian government provides some support, many gaps remain in housing, legal aid, healthcare, and integration. Fortunately, a network of dedicated organizations works tirelessly to fill these gaps. This article outlines the key organizations in Brussels that support refugees and provides concrete ways you can help—through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word.
Legal Aid and Asylum Support
Navigating the Belgian asylum procedure can be daunting. Several organizations offer free legal advice and representation.
ADDE – L’Association pour le Droit des Étrangers
ADDE provides legal consultations for asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. They have offices in Brussels (Rue des Bollandistes 40, 1040 Etterbeek) and offer appointments for individual cases. They also publish guides on asylum procedures. To volunteer, you need legal training, but you can support them through donations or by attending their fundraising events.
Vluchtelingenwerk Vlaanderen
Although based in Flanders, they have a strong presence in Brussels. They offer information, legal support, and advocacy. Their website (vluchtelingenwerk.be) has detailed guides in multiple languages. You can volunteer as a legal assistant or donate to their advocacy campaigns.
CIRE – Coordination des Initiatives de Réfugiés
CIRE is one of the largest refugee support organizations in Brussels. They offer legal aid, social support, and housing assistance. Their main office is at Rue de la Loi 155, 1040 Brussels. CIRE runs several projects, including the “Housing for Refugees” program that places asylum seekers in private homes. You can volunteer as a host family or donate furniture and household items. They also need volunteers for administrative tasks and language support.
Material Assistance: Food, Clothing, and Hygiene
Many refugees arrive with few possessions. Several organizations provide basic necessities.
Les Petits Riens – Spullenhulp
This well-known second-hand chain accepts clothing, furniture, and household goods. They have donation bins across Brussels (e.g., at Place de la Monnaie, 1000 Brussels). Items are sold in their shops, and the revenue funds social projects, including support for refugees. You can also volunteer in their sorting centers or shops.
DoucheFLUX
DoucheFLUX provides showers, laundry, and clean clothes to homeless people, including many refugees. They operate a mobile shower unit and a fixed location at Rue de la Senne 30, 1000 Brussels. They need volunteers to help with logistics, and they accept donations of towels, soap, and underwear. Read more about DoucheFLUX.
Food Banks and Community Kitchens
The Brussels Food Bank (Banque Alimentaire de Bruxelles) distributes food to over 200 partner organizations, many of which support refugees. You can donate non-perishable food at collection points in supermarkets like Delhaize and Carrefour. For specific schedules, see the Ixelles food bank schedule. Also, the Solidarity Grocery in Schaerbeek offers low-cost food to people in need, including refugees. Learn about the Solidarity Grocery.
Housing and Shelter
Finding safe, affordable housing is a major challenge for refugees. Several Brussels organizations focus on this.
Housing for Refugees (CIRE)
As mentioned, CIRE runs a hosting program where private individuals rent rooms or apartments to asylum seekers at reduced rates or for free. Hosts receive support and training. If you have a spare room, consider becoming a host. They also need volunteers to help with home visits and matching.
Samu Social
Samu Social provides emergency shelter and mobile units that distribute food and blankets to rough sleepers. They have a night shelter at Rue de la Loi 155. Volunteers can join the mobile teams or help in the shelter. Donations of blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing are always needed.
Plateforme Citoyenne – Citizen Platform for Refugee Support
This grassroots network coordinates accommodation for refugees in private homes, schools, and other buildings. They have placed hundreds of people in temporary housing. You can offer a spare room, or help with administrative tasks. Their website (plateforme-citoyenne.be) lists current needs.
Healthcare and Psychosocial Support
Refugees often have physical and mental health needs resulting from their journeys.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – Doctors Without Borders
While MSF works globally, they have a clinic in Brussels for undocumented migrants and refugees. Located at Rue de la Loi 155, the clinic provides primary care and psychological support. They need volunteer medical professionals and interpreters. Donations fund their medical supplies.
Les Brigades du Bonheur
This organization visits refugee centers and hospitals to bring joy and emotional support through music, art, and companionship. They organize weekly activities at the Fedasil reception centre in Neder-Over-Heembeek. Find out how to join Les Brigades du Bonheur.
Language Classes and Integration
Learning French or Dutch is crucial for integration. Many organizations offer free or low-cost language courses.
BON – Brussels Onthaalbureau voor Nieuwkomers
BON provides Dutch language courses and integration programs for newcomers. They have locations in Anderlecht, Molenbeek, and Schaerbeek. Volunteers can assist as conversation coaches or in administrative roles. They also need native Dutch speakers for language practice.
Les Ateliers d'Apprentissage du Français (AAF)
AAF offers free French classes for migrants in several Brussels communes, including Saint-Gilles and Ixelles. Classes are held in community centers and churches. You can volunteer as a teacher (no formal qualifications required) or donate teaching materials.
Legal and Administrative Support
Many refugees need help with paperwork, translations, and understanding their rights.
Volunteer Translators and Interpreters
Organizations like Translators Without Borders have local chapters. You can offer your language skills for document translation or interpretation during appointments. See how to volunteer as a translator.
Become a Buddy
Several programs pair refugees with local volunteers for one-on-one support. For example, the Buddy Project by Vluchtelingenwerk matches volunteers with refugees to help with everyday tasks like visiting the doctor, opening a bank account, or simply practicing the language. While this article focuses on elderly buddies, similar principles apply.
How You Can Help: A Summary
- Volunteer your time: Many organizations need consistent volunteers. Start by contacting CIRE, Plateforme Citoyenne, or DoucheFLUX.
- Donate money: Financial contributions are often most efficient. Even small amounts help. For example, €10 can provide a warm meal for a family.
- Donate goods: Clothing, hygiene products, non-perishable food, and furniture are always needed. Check with specific organizations for their current wish lists.
- Offer accommodation: If you have a spare room, consider hosting through CIRE or Plateforme Citoyenne.
- Spread the word: Share information about these organizations on social media or within your community.
- Attend events: Many groups hold fundraising events, concerts, or awareness campaigns. Your presence supports their cause.
For a broader overview of volunteering in Brussels, see The Complete Guide to Community Volunteering and Solidarity in Brussels.