In Strasbourg, the Secours Populaire is setting up instructions to help the homeless

The closure of luggage lockers in train stations has condemned the homeless to have to carry all their belongings wherever they go. But since November 3, 2021, the Secours Populaire du Bas-Rhin has opened in the district of Meinau in Strasbourg, a solidarity baggage allowing to lighten the weight of the suitcases and that of the worries of these deprived people. The 56 lockers set up are open to all for a renewable three-month commitment.

For the homeless, this solidarity luggage is a relief. They can safely store their belongings, without having to carry them everywhere and all the time. “It’s good to have a locker, because carrying a suitcase, other bags and the tent is heavy and demanding “, explains Alexandre, beneficiary of a locker.

Thanks to this project, the Secours Populaire allows disadvantaged people to feel less stigmatized. “When you move around town with all your things or in any place, people necessarily know that you are on the street. Suddenly the reception is not the same”, says Camille Vega, director of Secours Populaire du Bas-Rhin

To obtain a record, all you have to do is fill out an information form. This document gives access to a card corresponding to a locker number. “People are only given the key when they come to the luggage storage entrance. And they are required to come at least once every two weeks to show that their locker is still occupied and that it belongs to someone. “, specifies Lucie Quesado, in charge of local development at Secours Populaire.

With these 56 lockers, the Secours Populaire hopes to provide a little help. In Strasbourg, it is estimated that a thousand people are homeless.