Samu social in brief
- November 1993: Samu social’s first mobile aid units are launched in Paris. Today between five and nine mobile units operate every night, with 42,000 people taken into shelter each year. In winter the number of units can go up to 35. Some 20 of these are formed in partnership with other organisations, such as the City of Paris, the Restos du Coeur charity etc.
- February 1999: Creation of Samu social International
- December 2000: Creation of the anti-tuberculosis mobile unit (EMLT), with the aim of reducing mortality and transmission rates among the homeless and to minimise their resistance to anti-tubercular drugs.
- September 2005: The first day rounds
- November 2005: The 115 call-centre moves to new premises at Ivry-sur-Seine. Paris 115 is a nationwide emergency number based on the 15 model (15 is used for calling the in an emergency). Lines are free and operate day and night. Users are assured a friendly ear, as well as an evaluation of their needs, information, advice and a place to stay.
Accommodation and Hotel Reservation Division: This manages the accommodation of 7,500 people in family groups who are assigned to hotels by the Paris 115 centre (as well as by the separate 115 centre for the Seine-Saint-Denis department of north Paris, the Association for Migrant Workers, and the French Order of Malta)
The Paris Samu social Observation and Planning Division: The aim of this division is to identify and analyse problem areas relating to the homeless. Staff study the different types of homelessness and draw up profiles of the populations involved. By establishing patterns of behaviour, they seek to work out needs and social indicators. On the basis of their findings, they make proposals to the authorities.
The Accommodation and Residence Division: The Paris Samu social runs two emergency shelters for people who find themselves in extreme difficulty. They offer a bed, a meal, showers and washing facilities. A doctor and social workers are also on hand. Altogether there are 174 places for men and women.
The Women’s House: Accommodation centre open around the clock with room for 14 people. The aim is to break the pattern of incessant shuttling between the street and emergency centres. Further help is available at two ‘half-way houses’ – with 33 places in Paris and 28 at La Souterraine in central France.
The Paris Samu social also runs five Health Care Stayover Centres (LHSS), with a total of 170 beds, which are permanently open. These are intended for homeless people who need nursing care but not full hospitalisation.
Source : Samu social, Paris
