France's Hérault region faces an acute humanitarian crisis as social services struggle with rising homelessness and deaths, driven by funding cuts and reduced support.
Humanitarian crisis declared in Hérault
Elsa Melon, director of the Integrated Welcome and Orientation Service (SIAO) in the Hérault, called the situation an "acute humanitarian crisis," emphasizing the increasing strain on social services in the region.National mobilization highlights budget issues
This Friday, October 16, in Montpellier, social sector associations took part in the national mobilization "Et si nous arrêtions vraiment?" from October 12 to 17, drawing attention to how budget cuts are affecting their ability to support vulnerable populations.Rising death toll among homeless
According to SIAO, 15 people have died since the start of the year, with ages ranging from 24 to 87. Melon noted that the pace of deaths has increased, with one to three people dying each month on the streets.Overwhelmed emergency services
SIAO reported that 60 children are homeless each month, 280 households need housing, and there are 420 calls per day to the 115 emergency number. However, only three of the 280 households can be sheltered daily, highlighting the severe resource shortage.Homeless population includes diverse groups
Melon emphasized that the people affected by the crisis are not the typical image of the homeless. They include workers, victims of violence, women with children, people with disabilities, and elderly individuals who can no longer afford rent.Social SAMU director describes worsening conditions
Rémi Chetoui, director of the Social SAMU, said his team organizes two patrols per day in the Montpellier area, sometimes three. He described encountering more women with children, older individuals, and people living in increasingly dire conditions, such as someone surviving on plants in the forest.Homelessness estimated at 3,000 in region
Chetoui estimated that approximately 3,000 people are homeless in the Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole area. Both he and Melon linked the rising demand for services to the decline in available resources and funding.Funding cuts exacerbate the crisis
Both Melon and Chetoui pointed out that the increase in demand for services is directly linked to the decline in available resources. They cited reductions in subsidies for accommodation, housing, and integration, as well as the closure of certain services and a decrease in hotel overnight stays. Chetoui emphasized the need to maintain initial funding allocations to address the growing crisis.
