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France saw a record 735 homeless deaths in 2023, according to Les Morts de la Rue, a non-profit that tracks such cases.
As Day.Az reports with reference to the International French Radio RFI, the organization accuses the authorities of ignoring the crisis and believes that this number indicates widespread indifference to the problems faced by homeless people across the country.
A comparison with the previous year shows a significant increase, with 624 deaths recorded in 2022. However, Les Morts de la Rue cautions against jumping to conclusions, stressing that some deaths may not be counted in statistics due to difficulties in determining the exact number of homeless people in France.
According to the Fondation Abbé Pierre, there are about 330,000 homeless people in the country, while official estimates from the statistical institute INSEE say 143,000. The average age of the deceased is 49 years; Most of them are men, but the proportion of women is growing.
Nearly a third of those who died were in public places, including drop-in centers, highlighting the difficulty homeless people have in accessing needed services. About 22% of deaths were due to external causes, such as road accidents or assaults.
The organization also criticizes a number of government measures aimed at homelessness, including a law against illegal occupation of real estate and bans on food distribution in some areas of Paris and Calais.
Interview: The Crisis of Homelessness in France
Editor (Time.news): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here with Dr. Elise Moreau, a leading expert on social issues and homelessness in Europe. Dr. Moreau, recent reports have highlighted an unprecedented death rate among homeless individuals in France. Can you shed some light on the current situation?
Dr. Elise Moreau: Good afternoon, and thank you for bringing attention to this critical issue. The statistics are indeed alarming. In recent years, we have seen a significant rise in the death rate among homeless individuals. Factors contributing to this include extreme weather conditions, lack of access to healthcare, and increasing social isolation.
Editor: That sounds very concerning. What specific factors do you believe are contributing to these rising death rates?
Dr. Moreau: Several factors are at play. Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities; many shelters had to reduce their capacity, making it harder for homeless people to find refuge. Additionally, mental health issues and substance abuse are prevalent in this community, often going untreated due to the stigma surrounding these conditions. Economic instability and skyrocketing housing prices have also pushed more individuals and families into homelessness.
Editor: You mentioned the role of the COVID-19 pandemic. In what ways has it specifically impacted the homeless population?
Dr. Moreau: The pandemic highlighted the fragility of social safety nets. With many people losing jobs, more individuals fell into homelessness. Furthermore, the lockdown measures restricted movement, meaning many people couldn’t access essential services, including shelters, food banks, and medical care. Tragically, isolation during this time led to increased mental health crises, contributing further to the death rate.
Editor: Those are important points. What initiatives or policies do you think need to be implemented to address this crisis effectively?
Dr. Moreau: We need a multifaceted approach. First, immediate action should focus on increasing the availability of shelter and affordable housing. Long-term, we must invest in mental health services tailored for low-income and homeless populations. Outreach programs that connect individuals with medical and social services are essential, as is addressing the stigma around homelessness through public awareness campaigns.
Editor: Are there any successful models from other countries that France could look to for inspiration?
Dr. Moreau: Absolutely. Countries like Finland have made remarkable progress in combating homelessness through their “Housing First” model, which prioritizes providing permanent housing before tackling other issues. This approach has led to significant reductions in homelessness in Finland and could serve as a valuable model for France.
Editor: It sounds like there’s potential for change, but it requires substantial commitment. What message would you like to send to our readers about the importance of addressing homelessness now?
Dr. Moreau: It’s crucial to understand that homelessness isn’t just a personal failing; it results from systemic issues. Compassionate policies and community support can make a difference in the lives of those affected. We need to engage with our local communities and advocate for effective change. Every effort counts, and together, we can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau. Your insights are invaluable, and it’s essential to keep this topic in the public eye. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue this conversation.