Nice-premium: Nice is one of the cities in France where people suffer the least from the cold in winter. Does this change anything regarding the activation of the extreme cold weather plan?
Nadège Briantais: Absolutely not. The dates are set by the government, so they are the same across France. This means that the night shelter increases its capacity by 15 beds to reach a total of 124 places. The only difference in Nice is that we move to level 2 less often – 139 places in the night shelter, the maximum – which was activated until last year by a temperature ranging from –5 to 0°C. Now, the prefect decides on the activation of level 2. He more often relies on the perceived temperature. For example, if the weather is just cool but accompanied by a strong wind, he activates level 2.
NP: What is the role of the SAMU teams who are out in the city at night?
They identify homeless people and assess whether the person can remain on the street or not. If the person helped is ready to enter the night shelter, they call 115 to check if there are any available places. If a person lacks clarity, if a doctor diagnoses hypothermia, only then can they decide to hospitalize. But most often, they can only help the homeless with their consent.
NP: Indeed, there is a feeling that it is impossible to help all the homeless. Is this the case?
Yes, some do not want to enter the shelters or are unable to. Among those spending the night outside, some protect themselves. Others take risks. The street is a very harsh environment. It is difficult to get someone out, especially if they have been there for a long time. This week, a homeless woman died in Nice. She was familiar with the city’s shelters and was in poor health. But she took the risk of staying outside.
“We always work with people’s goodwill”
NP: Why is it so difficult to get out of the street?
In social work, we always act with people’s goodwill. Contrary to what some associations suggest, we cannot categorize homeless people. We welcome people who are depressed, have experienced family separation, are drug addicts, alcoholics, or mentally ill… Everyone has different needs. Most often, we must first ensure their access to healthcare and legal rights. Housing becomes the next concern. We don’t often talk about those who manage to leave the streets, but there are some.
NP: How many people are assisted by the CCAS in Nice?
It is impossible to give an exact figure. 900 people are known to the CCAS. This is likely an underestimated figure. It does not take into account squatters, for instance, who do not ask for help. We believe the figure of 1,200 people is closer to reality.
NP: Do you have requests for assistance from “working poor” individuals?
Yes, they are people who work, most often part-time. As a result, it is impossible for them to pay two or three months’ rent as a deposit, as required by real estate agencies.
NP: Do you collaborate with private associations?
We couldn’t work without them. Complementarity is essential in social work. We collaborate with the SAMU and frequently host the night stopover. Beyond associations, everyone needs to have a civic reflex: if you encounter a homeless person who needs help, pick up your phone and call 115.
