Collaboration is at the heart of impactful social change, and our recent partnership with La Bulle in Brussels exemplifies what can happen when two organizations come together in service of a common goal. Over Christmas, La Bulle’s dedicated streetworker team distributed 90 Sheltersuits to people experiencing homelessness—an effort that was as much about providing immediate warmth and protection as it was about restoring dignity and hope.
Who Is La Bulle?
La Bulle is a Brussels-based non-profit organization (ASBL) that focuses on helping vulnerable individuals navigate everyday challenges. Through a blend of street outreach and community-building initiatives, La Bulle offers resources such as counseling, companionship, and practical support to those who need it most. The organization believes in meeting people where they are, both literally and figuratively, emphasizing trust-building relationships that open the door to long-term solutions.
Our Shared Vision
Much like the Sheltersuit Foundation, La Bulle is grounded in the idea that every person—regardless of their circumstances—deserves respect, safety, and the opportunity to thrive. Where La Bulle offers consistent, on-the-ground support, Sheltersuit provides immediate relief from the elements through our innovative, upcycled Sheltersuits. Each Sheltersuit is designed to be warm, water- and wind-resistant, and easily transformable into a backpack, making it a practical lifeline for anyone living on the streets.
When two organizations share a vision of creating tangible, positive change, partnerships become more than collaborations—they become catalysts for progress.
The Distribution
In the days leading up to Christmas, La Bulle’s streetworker team took to the streets of Brussels with 90 Sheltersuits in tow. The suits were handed out directly to people sleeping rough or in precarious housing situations. By combining La Bulle’s deep community networks with the protective warmth of the Sheltersuits, we were able to reach individuals often overlooked by traditional support systems.
The distribution day itself was filled with stories of gratitude and relief. People shared how they had braced themselves for another harsh winter, unsure of how they’d stay warm. For many, receiving a Sheltersuit wasn’t just about physical protection—it was also a reminder that there are organizations and individuals who care about their well-being.
Why this matters:
Immediate Relief: Brussels can get bitterly cold in winter; a Sheltersuit offers life-saving warmth and protection from the wind and rain.
Long-Term Support: La Bulle doesn’t just hand out items—they build relationships. Each Sheltersuit was an introduction to the broader resources La Bulle provides, from psychosocial support to guidance toward permanent housing solutions.
Restoring Dignity: Both Sheltersuit and La Bulle value dignity. Something as simple as a warm coat that folds into a backpack can give someone the sense of security and self-worth they desperately need.
Looking Ahead
Our collaboration with La Bulle demonstrates that strategic partnerships are a powerful way to address homelessness. The Sheltersuit Foundation remains committed to forging alliances with organizations that understand local challenges and have the trust of the communities they serve.
In the coming months, we aim to expand our reach in Brussels and beyond, ensuring that more people in precarious living situations have access to both immediate warmth and long-term support. Our partners, like La Bulle, play an essential role in identifying where Sheltersuits will have the greatest impact and in facilitating meaningful connections with individuals who need them.
How You Can Help
Whether you live in Brussels or anywhere else in the world, your support can make a difference.
Donate: Help us produce and distribute more Sheltersuits by making a donation.
Partner With Us: Are you part of an organization serving people experiencing homelessness? Reach out to us and explore a partnership.
Spread the Word: Share this story on social media or via email to help raise awareness about homelessness and the resources available.
With every Sheltersuit distribution, we’re not just delivering a product—we’re delivering hope. And thanks to organizations like La Bulle, we’re taking another step toward a future where no one has to face winter alone.
