In response to the drop in temperatures, the city of Nice and its Community Social Action Center (CCAS) are activating an additional reception facility. The El Nouzah site will open on Tuesday, December 2. It aims to provide emergency shelter for homeless people, without waiting for the escalation of the winter plan.
The municipality and its Community Social Action Center have announced the early opening of the El Nouzah site. This decision comes as temperatures have started to drop over the past few days. The winter plan runs annually from November 1 to March 31. It includes three levels of alert: “Cold Weather,” “Severe Cold,” and “Extreme Cold.” Christian Estrosi, president of the CCAS, wanted to open this place even before Level 2 was activated by the Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes. The goal is clear: to offer immediate shelter to those most exposed.
This opening anticipates the needs for protection against the cold. It also addresses a reality observed every winter. Accommodation capacities are in demand as soon as temperatures begin to drop. Permanent facilities continue to operate, but the influx of requests necessitates a temporary extension of reception sites. The El Nouzah site thus becomes an additional resource to support the most difficult nights.
A place designed for emergency and social support
The El Nouzah site has been set up to serve as an emergency shelter during sensitive weather events. It operates in addition to year-round open structures. The Emergency Accommodation Center Geneviève de Gaulle Anthonioz, located on rue Trachel, offers 99 places. It accommodates 84 men and 15 women. The structure is managed by the CCAS and remains open 365 days a year. Since October, it also provides day services on weekends and public holidays.
Another solution exists with the night shelter managed by the Fondation de Nice. It accommodates 43 people, consisting of 26 men and 17 women. These two arrangements play a crucial role in supporting homeless people. They offer accommodation, but also access to a meal, a shower, and social support.
The El Nouzah site expands this offer, with a capacity of 46 places. These places are reserved for isolated men. Two spots are available for people accompanied by a dog. Four others are reserved for the “extremely vulnerable,” directed by Social Emergency Services (SAMU Sociaux) teams. The location of the site has been designed to facilitate social assistance efforts. Located near the 15th Corps Day Reception Center, it ensures continuity between shelter and support. The center’s teams can thus monitor situations and offer suitable solutions.
Authorities remind that one number remains essential during this period: 115. It is the emergency call number to report someone in difficulty or request shelter. The message remains the same every year: using it can help a person who has no other options.
