Video Difficult working conditions, problematic security… a journalist from “Complément d’investigation” shared the daily life of an Emmaüs community

Seventy years after Abbé Pierre’s appeal, what remains of the Emmaus model of solidarity in favor of the most deprived? Throughout France, there are 122 communities which “unconditionally” accommodate hundreds of families, 60% of whom are undocumented foreigners. In exchange for room and board and a modest income, these “companions” repair and sell old bicycles, furniture or second-hand clothes. But for a year, certain communities have been shaken by a strike movement, with cries of “Emmaüs is fed up, slavery is over!”

What is happening at Emmaüs so that one of the French’s favorite associations finds itself in the dock? In five months, journalists spoke with nearly 80 companions, employees or volunteers, who alerted them to around fifteen problem sites. In central France, for example, around thirty volunteers resigned, denouncing the living conditions of the companions.

To find out more about the daily life of this Emmaüs, a journalist from the “Complément d’investigation” team, equipped with a discreet camera, presents himself as a young homeless person. He is very well received. The community is complete, but he is invited to stay and eat and will be able to spend three nights in a shared room reserved for people passing through. Quickly, the managers offered him work for 90 euros per week, in cash. A way of testing him before, perhaps, integrating him into the community… which is contrary to Abbé Pierre’s principle of unconditional welcome.

Eight hours a day, like the companions, the journalist will participate in their “solidarity activities”, without being trained or even guided, and outside any legal framework. The work environment is dangerous, including a high storage area without guardrails. Between the dumpsters and the mountains of waste, everyone gets by as best they can, without instructions, with old ski gloves for all safety equipment.

This grueling outdoor work requires carrying heavy loads. One of the companions says he is holding on to Doliprane and Tramadol. He claims that if he refuses to bear these charges, he will be sent to another community or simply kicked out. After a visit to the hospital, those responsible allegedly “yelled at”. “The doctor gave me sick leave, but I was afraid, I continued to work,” he says. Another man, aged 56 and assigned to repairing bicycles for around ten years, complains of having both hips damaged due to work at Emmaüs. The companions know that places are rare, so they accept these conditions…

After three days of work, the journalist left the community without accepting the promised remuneration. If it was well received, the security conditions raise questions. Contacted by telephone, the two presidents of the community ensured that safety equipment was available, and contested any mistreatment of the companions.

Excerpt from “Emmaüs: give us back Abbé Pierre!”, broadcast in “Complément d’investigation” on June 6, 2024.

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