Queen Mathilde visited the Solidarité Logement association on Thursday, which aids the psychosocial integration of vulnerable populations in Belgium through housing.
The non-profit organisation receives financial support from the Queen’s Works Foundation.
At around 10:00, the Queen arrived at Ixelles at the Léon Project house, which has hosted around 50 young people since its inception in 2014.
After touring the facility, the Queen spoke with young beneficiaries.
Solidarité Logement, established in 2009, primarily helps young people (aged 16 to 25) transition to independence.
It also supports isolated women (with or without children) who face increased hardship following physical or psychological violence.
The aim is to promote social inclusion through housing and independence training to prevent homelessness or poor housing conditions.
"We identify a real estate opportunity, bring it up to standard, and then involve a social housing agency to handle administrative and rental matters," explained Didier Giblet, president of Solidarité Logement.
"We then sign an agreement with urban associations to provide ongoing support and guidance to our target groups.”
Queen Mathilde of Belgium (R) pictured during a royal visit to "Solidarité Logement" association in Ixelles, on Thursday 10 April 2025. Credit: Belga
One of the associations involved in the Léon Project in Ixelles is the Open Environment Education Centre (CEMO) through the KAP (Temporary Autonomous Housing) project.
Social workers help young tenants achieve independence, addressing practical aspects related to housing, finances, and education or employment.
"Public authorities are increasingly absent," noted Didier Giblet, lamenting the housing crisis affecting Brussels in particular.
Solidarité Logement is crucial to "solving – though unfortunately not eliminating – many housing problems," concluded the president.
