BELGIUM
Enchanté is a citizens' initiative founded in Ghent
in January 2018.
It connects socially excluded people with businesses and citizens so that they can be included in the social structure of daily life in their neigborhood.
The Belgian network brings together shopkeepers and citizens who offer small services to those in need. From a glass of water to a cup of coffee, from a haircut at a hairdresser's to a place to rest for a while.
Enchanté and its network present in 14 cities work together to create a more inclusive community.
FRANCE
Le Carillon was the first network of The Chime. It was founded in November 2015 in the 11th district of Paris by Louis-Xavier Leca, a young social entrepreneur.
Le Carillon now exists in 43 french cities and gathers around 1200 businesses who offer free services and/or products to people experiencing homelessness. The products, such as a meal, a haircut or a hot drink, can be prepaid by clients or offered by the shopkeeper.
The network Le Carillon is part of the La Cloche organisation which aims at preventing social exclusion of homeless people. This is possible by changing the way these people are perceived and how they perceive themselves.
Le Carillon chimes with an inclusive approach, that each person is encouraged to take part in the project no matter their background. Among Le Carillon's volunteers some have experienced or are currently experiencing homelessness.
CZECH REPUBLIC (Prague)
Místní místním (Locals for Locals) is a social initiative founded in 2017 in Prague. It connects places where people in need can access essential services with dignity. The Solidarity Network makes Czech cities more welcoming to everyone.
The Solidarity Network was created primarily for people without homes and in need but is open to anyone who needs it. It connects dozens of restaurants, cafés, shops and cultural spaces in Prague and Brno and expands further. Together the network offers over 260 essential services like water, access to toilets, a place to sit or charging a phone. The public can get involved by purchasing vouchers for meals, drinks, clothes or cultural events for people in need. In total, more than 1,400 essential services are provided every month and so far over 12,000 vouchers were used by people without homes.
Beyond services, Místní místním is changing how cities approach homelessness. It addresses the challenges and stereotypes connected to homelessness through public events, conferences and publishing. The NGO is changing the form of public space together with Czech cities and expert stakeholders.
Because cities, their neighborhoods and public spaces can be more welcoming. And because access to essential services can be the first step back to stability.
PORTUGAL (Porto)
Social Nexus reconnects people without homes to everyday life.
Social Nexus is a consortium led by three Porto- based organisations with deep, long-term field experience: CAIS, CASA Centro de Apoio ao Sem Abrigo, and Portuguese Red Cross - Delegation Porto.
It brings back people without homes into everyday community spaces, connecting them with local businesses, citizens, volunteers, amongst others.
The focus is simple: dignity through choice, in ordinary moments like having a coffee, a meal, a haircut, a cup of water, a cinema ticket, or simply a place to have a good conversation.
Social Nexus brings together people without homes or at situations of social exclusion alongside with local shops, citizens, volunteers, and corporate partners in Porto. Our network creates real access to everyday goods and services while strengthening inclusion through simple, human interactions.
Social Nexus is not just about supplying basic needs. It’s about rebuilding everyday routines, reducing stigma, and making inclusion a part of everyday life again, one interaction at a time.
Be a part of this change.
CANADA (Montréal)
L’oranger is part of Plein milieu organization, created in 1993, which aims to build trusting relationships with people who use drugs, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as with young people, with a view to harm reduction, information and prevention.
L’Oranger is a network located in the Plateau Mont-Royal, which responds to the issues of homelessness and cohabitation, by building bridges between all the actors in the community.
This network relies on dialogue, compromise and understanding of others, to reverse disaffection and foster a positive relationship between businenesses and people experiencing homelessness.
To date, 5 businesses have joined the network and offer services and products to homeless people. The network also brings together residents, homeless people and mediators from Plein Milieu.
