Marseille opens temporary drug support center

A temporary reception center for vulnerable drug users has opened at Marseille's Saint-Charles train station. The center, called the Center for Accompaniment and Risk Reduction for Drug Users (CAARUD), is state-funded and will use modular structures to provide support to individuals who often consume drugs and live on the streets.

Closure of previous shelter prompts new setup

The new CAARUD follows the closure of the Sleep in shelter in May of last year due to a severe rat infestation. That shelter will not reopen until January next year, leaving the CAARUD to manage the temporary need until then, continuing work managed by the SOS group.

Rising tensions over drug use in city center

The opening of the center comes amid rising tensions in Marseille's city center. Residents, officials, and local associations report an increase in drug consumption on the streets, and they are calling for more resources from the state to address the issue.

Proposed solution lacks agreement

One proposed solution is the creation of an "addiction care stop," which would provide a dedicated space for drug-related support. However, this proposal has not yet reached a consensus among stakeholders.

Local leader demands safety guarantees

Martine Vassal, president of the Bouches-du-Rhône Department, has called for specific guarantees from the state to ensure the safety of travelers, merchants, and residents. Vassal prefers an addiction care stop located in a hospital setting with a proper care pathway, rather than a temporary setup at a train station.