Homelessness rises sharply in Rhône

The number of homeless people in the Rhône department has increased by 75 percent over five years, according to the association Alynéa - Samu Social 69, which released its 2025 annual report on October 30. The report states that 3,283 people were living on the street in 2025, with an 85 percent increase in encounters between January 1 and October 15 of this year.

More children and babies affected

The report found that 2,179 distinct individuals were encountered on the streets during the first half of 2025, including 217 children and 53 babies under one year old. The association described the situation as "alarming" and noted that the trend continues into this year.

Photographer documents the crisis

Photographer Bertrand Gaudillère spent two years documenting the situation for the association and created a book titled Inconditionnel présent, le temps de la solidarité (item édition). He highlights how society has shifted from empathy to meritocracy, noting that "we have integrated that one must deserve to be helped."

Experts call for urgent action

André Gachet, a reference administrator at Samu Social and a member of the High Committee for the housing of disadvantaged people, called the situation "deplorable." He described "lives left to abandon" and "children who sleep on the street," emphasizing the need for real social cohesion and a proper housing policy.

Personal stories of survival

Estelle, who spent eight years on the street, shared her experiences of being sexually assaulted and facing harassment. Now living in a residence provided by Adoma, she works with a marauding group and hopes to write her first novel and find a place where she is not denigrated.

Emergency housing in short supply

Bertrand, a former homeless person and volunteer at the Péniche Accueil of the Le Mas association, described the demand for emergency housing as overwhelming. He noted that people are being left outside due to the violent nights in Lyon and the need to leave the city center, calling it "a double abandonment."

Call for collective responsibility

Alynéa - Samu Social 69 urged a structural policy of accessible housing, stating that everyone from the State to property owners must take responsibility. Maude Bigot, operational director of the social monitoring pole at Alynéa, noted that the needs are not being met despite commitments from the City of Lyon, emphasizing the need for cooperation and political will.