A homeless person lives rough in the streets or in temporary shelter.
Since 1983, the French State and even ordinary French people have used the acronym "SDF" (“sans domicile fixe”, i.e. “of no fixed abode”) which replaces the use of words like “vagrant” or “tramp”.
According to a study by the INSEE, 800,000 people have lived in the street at some time of their lives in France.
Determining the number of homeless people in France is complex: estimates range from 86,000 to 200,000 homeless people in France in 2004.
The homeless are socially excluded, although this term is rather vague: many homeless people go to work and are not therefore totally marginalised.
The homeless population is predominantly young and male, but young women with children, foreigners, and people with illnesses are also out on the streets…
The living conditions of the homeless are obviously very precarious: the lack of a decent home entails health problems (sometimes alcoholism), malnutrition, difficulties in finding a stable job, difficulties in establishing stable relationships, etc.
Homeless people’s access to food is difficult. Also, their food is often poor quality (past the sell by date or filthy), badly kept, and improperly cooked. Homeless people generally have an unbalanced diet.
Alcohol abuse is very present in street life; drinking gives the illusion of overcoming the difficulties (cold, depression ...). Alcoholism is, however, a social disease.
Homeless people are largely excluded from society. However, a study carried out in 2004 by the INSEE showed that in France three out of ten homeless people were employed (mostly in temporary jobs) and four out of ten homeless people were actively searching for a job.
What is the State doing about the problem?
The government’s aim is to "significantly reduce the number of people on the streets". Christine Boutin, the former Housing Minister, said that shelter had to be found for the homeless during extremely cold weather. She also advocated the construction of social housing in areas where there are real needs, better prevention of eviction, increased measures against "slumlords", help for people leaving prison, and help for people suffering psychiatric disorders (40% of people living on the street).
Despite the State’s efforts, the number of deaths on the streets has increased since 2004.
http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/-Logement,2720-.html
Who else is doing something about this problem?
The Emmaüs movement, set up by Abbé Pierre in 1949, pioneered social integration through work. There are a number of communities throughout France where former homeless people live and work together.
The Resto du Cœur, launched by Coluche in 1985, is a national federation whose goal is to distribute free food to the needy throughout France but also in Germany and Belgium.
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