A sustainable community hub to strengthen social ties

2025, Belgium

People's Place is a non-profit organisation based in Malmedy that promotes solidarity, inclusion and the fight against social exclusion through intercultural exchange and knowledge sharing. Pluralistic and independent, it welcomes everyone without discrimination and works to (re)create social ties. With this in mind, it organises various practical activities: workshops (cooking, gardening, painting, IT), French and literacy classes, socio-professional support, homework clubs, community meals open to all, and educational and socio-cultural events.

10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
Every year, nearly 400 people benefit from these initiatives, which emphasise conviviality, sharing and active citizenship. The non-profit organisation also implements initiatives and actions that meet sustainable development objectives, such as the active participation of all in the management and future of the site, as well as a focus on renewable energies and bio-based or recycled materials. The ‘Rond Tiers’ project refers to the location of a project in which our Foundation has participated because it aligns with our objectives by encouraging autonomy and citizenship for a sustainable response to the needs of communities. It involves the renovation and development of a property owned by the non-profit organisation, with the aim of creating an eco-friendly space co-managed by the beneficiaries and dedicated to solidarity practices. Each beneficiary of the non-profit organisation would be invited to participate in the management of this space and the activities it offers. However, to date, this space is unoccupied and does not serve any specific purpose.

400

beneficiaries per year

37

managers, including 20 volunteers

This workshop, located 400 metres from the main premises and adjacent to a garage with a pit, occupies a plot of land partially dedicated to the vegetable garden managed by the non-profit organisation. Without heating or amenities, it benefits from a quiet setting close to other gardens and a road linking the industrial zone and the town centre. Its renovation would enable it to house a community canteen and a nursery greenhouse. Once renovated, the space will become comfortable and healthy, and therefore conducive to activities such as bread making, wood-fired baking, food processing and preservation, and the establishment of a community canteen. For the Foundation, contributing to this project is a stepping stone for social and solidarity actions that are in line with SDGs 10 and 11 (reducing social inequalities and establishing communities that are open to all, resilient and sustainable). The work identified focused on insulating the workshop and installing bay windows. Active collaboration between colleagues from different businesses (Mélanie Briquet – Defence and Danny Mignolet – Industry) enabled us to pool our skills and strengths towards a common goal: planning the measurements and drawing up the plans. The Foundation also actively supported the process by facilitating discussions with the Municipality of Malmedy regarding permit applications. A significant portion of the work was completed in August/September 2025, and we will continue to monitor the non-profit organisation's actions as it finalises this project. This project fully embodies our commitment to providing meaningful support based on solidarity. The collective effort has enabled progress to be made in a dynamic and supportive atmosphere, with each partner investing their enthusiasm in the project. We are proud to contribute to an environment that is conducive to local development and the fulfilment of community organisations.