France Heatwave: Homeless People on the Front Line Against the Heat
Poinews.com – France is enduring a relentless heatwave, with 61 regions remaining under extreme heat warnings as of Friday. While a marginal easing is anticipated starting Saturday, the alert will be lifted in 13 regions across the central and southwestern parts of the country. Despite this, temperatures remain dangerously high, forcing citizens to adopt various cooling strategies. For those without shelter, these measures are out of reach, leaving them exposed to the relentless concrete environment of the streets.
A Struggle Without Shelter
The harsh conditions are especially brutal for the homeless. Without access to air conditioning or indoor spaces, they rely on makeshift solutions to survive the sweltering heat. In Marseille, Francis Vernède, a representative of the Fondation pour le Logement des Défavorisés—a nonprofit focused on housing for the disadvantaged—conducts outreach to support those living on the streets. “Homeless individuals are at risk throughout the year,” he explains. “People often focus on their struggles in winter, but the mortality rate in summer is just as severe, if not worse. Heat is a critical challenge,” he adds.
“Today in Marseille, the heat is unbearable. Dozens, or even hundreds, of people who sleep outside endure harsh temperatures at night and, during the day, scramble for any available shade. These spots are often scarce,” Vernède continues.
Valentin, a street-dweller, shares his daily battle: “We search for shade from dawn to avoid the heat, but when the police arrive, we’re told to move. It’s a constant cycle—trying to keep our dogs safe from the sun while we cope with the heat ourselves,” he says. Bastien, another person without a home, agrees: “Mornings are the worst. If you don’t stay hydrated, heatstroke can strike at any moment.”
Advocacy for Dignity and Survival
Vernède urges the government to prioritize the needs of the homeless. “This isn’t about funding—it’s about dignity and survival,” he emphasizes. His plea targets Housing Minister Vincent Jeanbrun and Social Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou. According to Les Morts de la rue, a advocacy group, nearly 30% of deaths among the homeless occur during the summer months, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
