Homelessness in France

Homelessness in France is a significant social issue, one that is estimated to affect over 140,000 people, including 30,000 children,

One study of homeless in Paris found that homeless people have a high degree of social proximity to other people living in conditions of poverty. And terms in the media used to describe homelessness are formed around poverty and vagrancy.

Some researchers maintain that a Housing First policy would not solve the homelessness issue in France.

Some researchers maintain that industrial restructuring in France led to the loss of jobs among blue-collar workers whose skills did not transfer readily to other job sectors, which in turn led to a rise in homelessness.

Homeless children in France is not a new phenomenon; the writer Emile Zola wrote about homeless children in late nineteenth century France.

Homeless emergency number in France is 115.[1] The line is operated by SAMU Social [2]

Responses

• Foyers originated in France during World War One to provide a place to eat and sleep for soldiers. After the war, foyers were used to provide accommodation for a movement of people across the country who were seeking work. It is thought that the service reduced the number of homeless unemployed youth.