BE PART OF SAVING A HISTORICAL CHURCH AND ITS CHAPEL, RESTORING A SACRED PLACE AND CREATING A SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND CULTURAL CENTRE.

WeRISE - Rejoice, Inspire, Serve, Empower.

Together we can rebuild the virtuous cycle of true fulfilment. Rekindling the communal essence of village life into the urban landscape.

Envision 19th-century spaces and interior lounges fostering connections among people of all ages who share common interests or the quest for fulfillment, belonging, and meaning in their lives. A communal space to discuss, find support, attend a seminar, or simply participate in a cultural or entertaining event. An incubator for ideas and shared human experiences, equipped with facilities that encourage social interaction, social cohesion, and provide opportunities for personal growth for everyone.

Welcome to the incredible journey of WeRISE, a start-up that is reshaping the way busy city dwellers experience life by restoring historical religious edifices. At the core of WeRISE is a powerful vision to reignite the sense of community that once thrived in village life, now thoughtfully designed for urban living. And central to each village is the church.

OUR PROJECT

A Holistic Approach to Church Preservation and Community Revitalization.

1. A Strategic Location

• In the capital city of the European Union.
• Situated just opposite the Botanical Garden in the Saint-Josse-ten-Nood municipality, an emerging district in Brussels.
• Just minutes away from the city center, major tourist attractions, museums, and parks.
• Excellent connectivity to key districts in Brussels due to the proximity of all public transportation modes (tram, metro, bus) and the inner ring road.

2. A Historical Estate

• A unique property comprising two structures that have been abandoned for nearly 50 years.
• The main building is a 19th-century, neo-gothic Church with an art deco facade towering up to 40 meters above ground level.
• The second building is a 19th-century Byzantine-style Chapel with three floors.

3. SEVEN COMPONENTS to Create a Centre of Life For the Community

• A Christian Church: In collaboration with an international Christian church, we will hold services on Sundays and offer various ministries for youth, men, women, couples, seniors, and minorities.
• A Community Centre: In partnership with associations, we aim to offer various services to those in need, such as counseling, active support, soup kitchen, community dinners, etc.
• A Leadership School: To forge a new generation of leaders, and to equip them with the skills necessary to realize their full potential as leaders and global citizens.
• A Start-Up Incubator: To support the development of businesses aiming at creating social, economic, and environmental impact on our society.
• A Cultural Centre: Cultural events, concerts, drama and dance performances, and exhibitions will transform the site into a vibrant hub for the neighborhood and the city.
• A Performing Arts School: Provide high-quality education to musicians, dancers, and actors, so they can reach their full potential and bring joy to the world through their talents.
• Food & Beverage Activities: Create welcoming spaces conducive to connection and exchange where residents and workers in the area feel invited to share moments of pleasure, relaxation, and tasting, fostering deeper integration into the community.

4. Together, We Can Have A Positive Impact

> Social Impact:

• 2,000+ people through social and community services in restored buildings
• 1,500+ believers and non-believers on their quest for fulfillment, a sense of belonging, and purpose
• 32,000+ residents benefitting from the restoration and reopening of this site abandoned for over 50 years, transforming a once unsafe and unsanitary place into a revitalized space
• 10,000+ men and women, young and older, enjoying cultural and social events, promoting community cohesion
• 30,000+ people will be enjoying training and great food and drinks in restored spaces designed to rebuild community fabric and promote social engagement, and interaction.

> Environmental Impact:

• Revitalizing abandoned buildings that have stood unused for 50 years.
• Restoration and repurposing of existing structures rather than new construction.

> Economic Impact:

• Creation of more than 100 direct and indirect jobs through the implementation of the seven activities mentioned above.
• Economic growth and sustainability through the introduction of commercial activities within the renovated spaces.

OUR IMMEDIATE NEED

Our immediate fundraising goal is EUR 35,000. Each contribution will be allocated meticulously, covering essential areas:

• Investment vehicle incorporation fees: EUR 11,000
• Legal fees: EUR 12,000
• Architect and designer fees EUR 6,000
• Business consultant fees EUR 6,000

These funds aim to establish the elements necessary to gain support from the various parties involved, including but not limited to, local authorities, neighborhood associations, and potential partners.

Rest assured that we are committed to managing the funds entrusted to us with the utmost care and directing any surplus beyond the necessary needs for this stage entirely towards the acquisition phase.

The next two phases will be the acquisition and the renovation of the church and the chapel. Substantial restoration efforts are imperative to breathe new life into this historical landmark. The restoration process will be phased over several years, allowing for innovation and thoughtful preservation. Your contribution will not only play a pivotal role in reviving an emblematic church but will also contribute to the enduring legacy of its restoration, ensuring its significance for generations to come.

👉 We invite you to join us on this adventure. Every contribution counts. 100% of the money we raise will directly fund the acquisition and restoration of abandoned historical churches that will transform the future for thousands of families around the world.

We thank you for your contribution. And if you're looking for other ways to support us or get involved, just visit the websites further down this page.

WHO WE ARE

We are a team of Christian men and women. We believe in the power of communities. And we are passionate about heritage buildings.

We aim to open the doors of the Kingdom to those seeking fulfillment, a sense of belonging, and purpose in their lives, those whose lives are a battlefield, besieged by a multitude of influences pulling them away from the path of true peace they seek.

This is our mission, our calling - to break the chains of disengagement, unleashing an abundance of joy, deep human connection, and meaning in our lives.