Facing a sharp rise in attendance and the prospect of a potential relocation, the solidarity restaurant Le Jardin de Montbrillant is entering a pivotal phase. With its infrastructure reaching capacity and human and logistical needs continuing to grow, ensuring the initiative’s long-term sustainability now requires strategic reinforcement.
Le Jardin de Montbrillant, a welcoming space and community restaurant, is part of the mission of the Fondation Carrefour-Rue & Coulou: to provide concrete, accessible and dignified responses for people living on the streets, in inadequate housing or facing extreme hardship. Every day, it welcomes nearly 380 visitors for a free, hot and balanced meal, prepared by a team bringing together a head chef, social workers, people in professional reintegration and volunteers. Food supplies, mainly provided by Fondation Partage and local partners, ensure nutritional quality, reduce food waste and strengthen local roots.
Beyond catering, Le Jardin de Montbrillant is a place of connection, listening and rebuilding. The people it welcomes find rhythm, routine and a sense of belonging within a caring community. The social team supports individual processes, provides guidance, offers assistance and encourages integration whenever possible. The venue also welcomes companies that take part in meal preparation, thereby strengthening social ties, civic engagement and the emergence of new forms of solidarity.
In response to a sharp rise in attendance and the prospect of a potential relocation, Le Jardin de Montbrillant is currently going through a pivotal period. Its infrastructure is reaching saturation point, human and logistical needs are increasing, and the long-term sustainability of the initiative requires strategic reinforcement. The project aims to guarantee a dignified, welcoming and safe environment, while developing solutions adapted to growing demand. It notably plans to:
- Increase the number of meals distributed.
- Improve logistical resources.
- Strengthen the organisation and coordination of volunteers.
- Secure food supplies.
By consolidating its reception and transport capacity, as well as its human resources and partnerships, Le Jardin de Montbrillant seeks to ensure the long-term future of an essential part of Geneva’s social landscape, where everyone can find a meal, a listening ear, support – and sometimes even a new beginning.
