Heart Of Lion

About us

Heart of Lion is a non-profit organization based in Brussels,

born from the desire to help migrants, asylum seekers, and people in precarious situations find their place in Belgian society.

We deeply believe that information, support, and solidarity can change lives.

Our Story

The story begins with the Erazo brothers, who arrived in Belgium in 2018..

Upon their arrival, they lived for over a year in a shelter with their sister and David's wife.

This experience, marked by uncertainty and the discovery of a new country, raised an essential question for them:

"How does Belgium really work, and how can we help those who arrive after us?"

After several years of effort, they obtained Belgian nationality and decided to give back to this country what it had offered them: stability, security, and hope.

During the COVID-19 pandemic,, they met Gary Axen, a man committed to social and food aid in collaboration with food banks.The three of them united and worked passionately for a year to support families in need.

From this human and supportive experience, a conviction was born: they can do more, and do it sustainably.

Thus, in 2022,

, they founded Heart of Lion — an organization that embodies their journey, their faith in solidarity, and their willingness to help others overcome the same challenges they faced.Since its creation, Heart of Lion has continued to work for the integration and autonomy of migrants in Brussels., ils fondent Cœur de Lion — une structure qui incarne leur parcours, leur foi dans la solidarité, et leur volonté d’aider les autres à surmonter les mêmes défis qu’eux.

Since its creation, Heart of Lion has worked tirelessly to promote the integration and independence of migrants in Brussels.

Our actions focus on four main areas: informing, supporting, advising, and promoting.

We organize:

• free information sessions on rights, procedures, and Belgian legislation,

• individual support actions to follow up on cases and assist with administrative procedures,

• cultural and social activities aimed at creating connections between different communities,

• workshops and economic projects to help future entrepreneurs launch their services or businesses in Belgium.

Why “Heart Of Lion” ?

The name Heart of Lion symbolizes both the strength of courage and the nobility of the heart.

A brave heart is strong like a lion, but for us, true courage is to serve.

Those in a position of strength have a moral duty to help the weaker, to uplift rather than crush, and to build bridges between differences.

A vision integration and dignity

“We firmly believe that the vast majority of people who have left their country to come here did not do so to beg, disturb, or bring something negative.

On the contrary, these women and men cameout of faith in Belgium, in the hope ofworking with dignity, ofliving in safety, and ofcontributing to society..

It is for them that we work every day, becauseBelgium was built through diversity, and it can only continue to grow by including the new builders of tomorrow.”

We believe that Belgium, an ultra-cosmopolitan capital at the heart of Europe, is an example of successful diversity.

Here, everyone should be able to find their place, learn the language, understand their rights, and participate in economic and social life.

It is in this spirit that we work: for a more open, supportive, and inclusive society, where everyone can contribute according to their talents.

Every year, Cœur de Lion follows and helps dozens of people:

• by accompanying them in hospitals, administrations, and institutions,

• by breaking the language barrier,

• by offering practical and legal advice,

• by encouraging training, learning, and work, which are the pillars of successful integration.

Our work is entirely voluntary: we receive no structural funding.

Every gesture, every hour of work, every project is the result of our team's commitment and the support of the community.