Centre d'hébergement pour les femmes et enfants victimes de violences ღ
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For over 100 years, ALC has worked to protect the most vulnerable, including babies, children and teens, families in precarious situations, alienated and homeless people, women suffering from violence and human trafficking, migrants, ex-convicts etc.
Amar ended up homeless nine years ago. Two and a half years ago, he got a place at an ALC long-term accomodation centre (“CHRS”). He tells us about his own life-route and his passion for drawing. He concludes the interview with words of hope for all those like him, who have been or are homeless.
people housed at long-term accommodation centres in 2019 including 252 children!
Difficulties moving from emergency to permanent accommodation
Providing accommodation in centres and other structures, the CHRS is a stepping-stone towards permanent accommodation.
Providing accommodation in centres and other structures, the CHRS is a stepping-stone towards permanent accommodation.
Stay strong, keep hope. You have to go for it, never give up. I am no longer homeless, after nine years in the street. Even when it takes time, you can get there.
Can you tell us how you got here?
I’m from Paris. I’ve worked all sorts of jobs. I worked at Carrefour, I managed a Relay shop. After a few years I needed a change of air, so I came to settle on the French Riviera. I took my HGV driving licence, and became a delivery driver.
How has ALC helped you?
I ended up homeless nine years ago. Two and a half years ago, I got a place at an ALC shelter. ALC helped me find a place to live, as well as helping with my official status. You can’t deal with that when you’re on the street! In two and a half years, I’ve worked with several ALC officers. They are always really nice and we adapt to each other!
What are your plans now?
I’m waiting to hear if I can have a room at a boarding-house in La Trinité. Watch this space! And in other news, I have a few drawings on the go, I produce one or two drawings a month.
How long have you been drawing?
From the age of four and a half. My teacher couldn’t believe I drew my pictures myself, she thought it was my adoptive mother! Drawing is my passion, I get inspiration from artists like Wolinski and Enki Bilal. I draw when I feel like it and when inspiration hits, always in black and white. Sometimes I get a commission: my department head wants one for Christmas and my neighbour Patricia wants one of four cats!
What advice would you give to people living on the street?
Stay strong and keep hope. You have to go for it and never give up. I managed to get out after nine years. Even if it takes time, you can get there.
Find out more about our action towards the most vulnerable
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