A large part of France is going through an episode of cold, which will intensify until Tuesday, with negative temperatures which have pushed certain prefectures, including that of Ile-de-France, to activate their “Great cold” plan .
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Michel, a Secours Populaire volunteer, offers Alain a warm cup. It’s only two degrees on this evening of Sunday January 7, 2024, but it’s still bearable, assures this homeless person installed on an air vent: “It’s district heatinghe quips. We’re trying to find a location that’s a little warm and I found it here. But IDon’t worry about the next few days.”
However, temperatures will still be negative the next few nights in Ile-de-France, as in a large part of France. But Alain assures him: he will stay here, because he can count on the human warmth of the neighborhood residents who know him well. Like this neighbor, passing by in the evening, who brought her food: “Hot soup and pasta with chopped steak“, he smiles, before saying goodbye to the volunteers at Secours Populaire: “If I’m not frozen, I’ll still be here !”
“It’s not a question of cold, but a question of habit”
“No one complains!“, is surprised by Michel, who is heading towards Martin, under a bridge, a few meters away. He also just wants a little tea, which Sidonie prepares for him in the back of the car, also a volunteer. In his trunk, she draws up the list of products to be distributed: “Soup, sardines, tuna, cakes, bread, water, tea or coffee… And also duvets, blankets, fleeces…” Martin, who has gathered several blankets around him, chats happily with the team and assures that he is not cold. “It’s not a question of the cold, but a question of habit. And you know when it’s cold, there are people who will bring you blankets.”
“When rents are too expensive, you get used to the cold”
Michel and Sidomie are ready to find an accommodation solution if the homeless people they encounter request it. But no one asks for it, not even Myriam who sleeps in a small tent near the Montparnasse station and who only asks for soup. “When rents are too expensive, you get used to the cold.” she says.
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To deal with the cold snap, the Paris prefect announced on Sunday January 7 the triggering of the “severe cold” plan, the opening, during the week, of 274 accommodation places, available by calling 115. On Sunday, 50 places for families or isolated women as well as 50 places for isolated men were opened.
Faced with the cold snap, homeless Parisians adapt: the report by Farida Nouar