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Paris announces Winter Emergency Plan to shelter homeless during extreme weather
Paris has announced its Winter Emergency Plan to provide shelter to the homeless.
Under Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, the city stressed the importance of providing support to the most vulnerable in the coldest part of the year.
As part of the plan, Paris will expand its shelter system and put in place a new food distribution system until the end of March next year.
City authorities reminded that Paris strengthens its programmes for the homeless each winter, mainly by opening additional accommodation capacities and expanding food distribution schemes.
Paris noted that approximately 14.6% of the metropolitan population lives below the poverty line and added that the state will make 1,000 new beds available as part of the Winter Emergency Plan.
The city will provide additional 6,000 beds, increasing the total available to homeless people to more than 30,000 this winter. According to 2022 records, the number of homeless people living on the streets of Paris exceeds 2,600.
New winter shelters have opened at the start of December, with Paris authorities reiterating that the locations will remain open until the end of March 2023.
As part of the Winter Emergency Plan, Paris will increase the number of social workers and psychologists to assess and consult the city’s homeless.
In addition, socio-cultural partners will contribute to the plan to make beneficiaries feel welcome and help them fight against isolation of everyday life.
(Photo credit: Jean-Baptiste Gurliat/Ville de Paris)
