Eviction nears for Lyon squat residents

The City of Lyon is asking the State and the Metropolis to find housing for around 280 people, mostly women and children, who are living in a squat at Place de Milan in the 3rd arrondissement. The city says an eviction is likely soon and is concerned about the lack of proper housing options being offered by the Metropolis and the State.

Legal order and housing concerns

A court has ordered the eviction of the squat, but the City of Lyon criticizes the Metropolis and the State for not providing "dignified and sustainable housing" for the residents. Mayor Grégory Doucet said it is "inconceivable to put so many women and children on the street" as winter approaches, especially with the winter truce starting on November 1.

Winter truce and housing needs

Doucet emphasized the need for "a roof, not a camp or precarious accommodation" and urged all parties to "assume their responsibilities." The City of Lyon insists that an evacuation must not lead to "a situation of great precariousness" and says emergency housing is the responsibility of the appropriate institutions.

City’s efforts to combat homelessness

The City of Lyon has been working to reduce homelessness, with about 600 housing places currently available through the City and the Municipal Center for Social Action (CCAS), either directly or through funding for associations and premises. Since 2021, 300 new housing places have been created or mobilized, with more than 3.5 million euros spent annually on these efforts.

Support for homeless organizations

The City of Lyon also supports several organizations, including Alynéa, Foyer Notre-Dame des Sans-Abri, and Habitat et Humanisme, and has provided several buildings for use. It has enabled approximately 300,000 overnight stays since 2021 through these efforts.

Concerns over reduced support

The City of Lyon expresses concern over what it calls a "gradual disengagement" by the Lyon Metropolis and the State in providing emergency housing for minors and isolated families. It notes the Metropolis has not confirmed the continuation of the accommodation program at the Rockefeller Station after December 31, which could leave some young people without a place to stay during the winter.

Eviction appeal scheduled

Deputy Mayor Bruno Couturier said the City of Lyon proposes "dignified housing solutions" when possible. The City also mentions the Favre Internat program, which is sheltering more than 100 young people from the Chartreux camp this month. The eviction appeal, which does not delay the process, is set for a hearing on December 14.