Associations fighting against exclusion launched on Wednesday, in unison, calls for donations and mobilization in "emergency" to help the homeless who are suffering the full brunt of the consequences of the coronavirus crisis. The precariousness of people on the street "has worsened since the beginning of the health crisis" , warns the Samusocial of Paris in a press release. "It is also their loneliness that is even more glaring" .
The number of homeless people in France is estimated at 250,000.
Drastically reduced food distributions since containment measures, increasing isolation for those who beg, food supplies that are getting thinner for families living in social hotels: Samusocial teams have been witnessing the "distress" of the poorest for a few days.
By redeploying its staff, the organization nevertheless succeeded in maintaining all of its activities: telephone platform (115), raids, accommodation and care centers.
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But many associations have had to suspend part of their actions because they lack arms. Staff and volunteers confined, but also lack of equipment such as masks gangrene teams.
The Secours populaire de Paris, which points to the “increased isolation” of those who live on the street, thus focuses on food aid and considers solutions such as carrying meals at home.
The French Red Cross has also suspended certain activities to lend a helping hand to the Samu in the orientation and transportation of the sick.
The association also launched a call for volunteers on Wednesday to set up a solidarity concierge: the objective is to bring essential products to those who are isolated, at home.
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Same call for volunteers from Restos du Coeur, who need specific profiles "but also just people with time" , for the transport of food, the preparation of packages and packed lunches, or even food distribution.
Médecins sans frontières (MSF), for its part, is planning a few mobile consultation and screening activities of the Covid-19 within the next few days for the most vulnerable and will deal with cases of infected people in dedicated accommodation facilities. .
Faced with the virus, "people on the street, the very poor, wandering people are in danger, some in danger of death," warns the Abbé Pierre Foundation, which also calls for generosity.