In Brussels, a new industrial dishwasher eases strain on staff and improves service for over 3,000 vulnerable individuals each year
Les Amis du Resto du Coeur de Saint-Gilles provides a vital service in the heart of Brussels. As a daytime shelter and social restaurant, it supports people experiencing homelessness and extreme precarity. Every day, the center offers a warm space, hot meals, and a sense of community to around 300 individuals—many of whom have nowhere else to turn.
Staffed by a dedicated team of 20 professionals and volunteers, the restaurant does far more than feed people. It offers a place to rest, access to hygiene services, and the chance to reconnect with dignity. The organization is part of the broader Restos du Coeur network in Belgium, which tackles poverty through practical, people-first interventions. More information: restosducoeur.be.
When the Dishwasher Broke Down
For a restaurant serving over 250 meals daily, a functioning dishwasher is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. The existing industrial machine at Resto du Coeur de Saint-Gilles had been used so intensively it eventually broke down completely. Staff and volunteers were left to handle the enormous task manually, scrubbing dishes for hours during both breakfast and lunch services. This not only exhausted the team but diverted time and energy away from what matters most: supporting the beneficiaries.
United Fund for Belgium stepped in to help. Their funding allowed the organization to purchase a brand new professional dishwasher and the associated tables for loading and unloading. The impact has been immediate and transformative.
“The purchase of a new dishwasher reduces the amount of cleaning work and frees up more time for welcoming and serving beneficiaries. It is a pleasure to use compared to our old machine. The dishwashing station is much less strenuous for workers and volunteers.”
– Julie Turco, Coordinator
Help Us Serve Better, Together
By supporting United Fund for Belgium, you empower local organizations to keep doing what they do best: serving with care, professionalism, and heart. Essential equipment, like the dishwasher at Resto du Coeur de Saint-Gilles, might seem small but it makes a world of difference. With your help, even the most vulnerable among us can be met with dignity, warmth, and a clean plate.