“Martial reached out to us and talked about employment, housing, etc… He really found the right words. We are happy to contribute to a modest gesture and provide a bit of humanity during this time of crisis,” says Pierre-Paul Leonelli, deputy mayor of Nice in charge of sanitation, discussing the case of Martial Giacomo, 30, homeless for over two years following a romantic breakup. While at the hanging garden, he received a promise from Christian Estrosi. The mayor of Nice will provide him with a job as soon as possible. “He showed a real desire to get out of his situation, so we’re helping him rebuild,” declares Pierre-Paul Leonelli. “But he didn’t get the job just like that. He was tested several times, successfully. He also got a phone so we could contact him.” Motivated, the man from Nice remains aware that someone else could have been in his place: “I got my chance during the intervention, that’s all.”
“Begging or living off leftovers”
Before ending up on the streets, this father of two girls had “several odd jobs. I have a vocational certificate in Cooking and Pastry, but I quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I worked as a stable hand for four years. This job in the sanitation department will help me find a roof over my head. For a few months, I benefit from a temporary aid structure. I will be able to resume a normal life.” This could help him escape the misery Martial experienced. “I lived through tough times outside, between poverty and aggression from one and all. To live, I begged. Snack bars and restaurants also give away their leftovers.” But in a few days, Martial Giacomo will start his new job and begin a new life.
