The Syndicat des immenses is a Brussels-based pressure and action group representing people who are unhoused or inadequately housed; “immense” is its acronym for “Individu dans une Merde Matérielle Énorme mais Non Sans Exigences.”111 It describes itself as a campaigning organisation rather than a discussion or support group, and says it advances demands, defends members’ rights and intervenes in public life.1
The group was founded in March 2019, emerging from the “Les précaires en colère” working group formed during an open assembly of the Droit à un Toit movement on 23 February that year.15 The group initially used the name “Les précaires en colère” before adopting its current name.1 Its stated goal is to end homelessness in the Brussels-Capital Region, with ambitions extending to Belgium, Europe and beyond.1
Its activities include public advocacy, participation in events and the annual co-organisation of L’Immense Festival. It also organises a summer university every two years; since 2021, the event has brought together people with lived experience, association workers, researchers and political representatives for debate.13 The organisation meets weekly at DoucheFLUX, at 84 Rue des Vétérinaires in Brussels. DoucheFLUX provides logistical, administrative and tactical support and hosts the meetings, while describing the Syndicat as independent.1213
Laurent d’Ursel is identified as the group’s secretary, and Adrien De Fraipont as its operational manager; activist Élina Dumont is named on the organisation’s site as its figurehead.41 The group reports having an Instagram account, but the sources reviewed do not provide its profile URL.1