Life on the Streets of Menton

1. Introduction

Whether it's the person asking you for change in front of the grocery store, a person sleeping on the sidewalk or singing on а busy street, many of us have had the experience of walking around Menton and encountering people living on the streets. Most people avoid them and some are even afraid of them, but have you ever wondered what their story is and how they ended up in their situation? This article will explore the topic of homelessness in Menton from a different and more personal perspective. 

1. France’s struggle with homelessness

According to the latest official government statistics from 2012, there were at least 141,500 homeless people in metropolitan France. Still, a 2024 report from the Abbé Pierre Foundation shows that the number might have increased to around 330,000, of which only around 93,000 have access to social housing. Due to rising concerns about the issue, the French National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies and the National Institute for Demographic Studies are currently conducting a new survey of the homeless population in France that will conclude in 2025. According to European statistics from 2023, France has the second-highest count of homeless people in the EU. The issue garnered global attention when, in preparation for hosting the Olympic games in 2024, the French government started relocating people from the streets of Paris to other cities in the country.

In 2019, a UN report concluded that France is abusing human rights due to its inability to tackle the issue. The issue continued in 2023 when the UN condemned new French legislation against squatters’ rights. Still, addressing the rising numbers of people in need of a home, the French government has increased efforts in recent years to provide temporary accommodation and social aid. 

1. What about Menton?

There is no precise information available regarding the number of homeless people living in Menton, but according to data from July 2023, 2,572 people were being housed by the government in the Alpes-Maritimes department. In Menton, especially at night, you can see people sleeping in front of store windows or parks. During the day, some walk around the city, ask for help, perform music and some even cause public unrest. 

During my work on this article, I spoke with Jean, a 38-year-old Parisian living on the streets of Menton. When we met, he was standing outside a local supermarket, hoping people would give him their spare change. He was quite friendly and happy to chat. Jean used to be a waiter in Paris but lost his job and moved to Menton in hope of better conditions. When I asked him why Menton, he replied, “the weather and the sea”. I asked where he found shelter, and he replied, “here, the street”. He told me that at the moment, he doesn’t have a job or a place to stay. About his current situation, he commented, “I don’t know, that’s it.” Like Jean, many people without a roof opt to relocate to cities in the Côte d'Azur due to the more favourable weather conditions. In the summer, many go to tourist hotspots such as Nice, where the city even implemented anti-begging rules, which were later overturned.

 But as winter approaches, even in sunny Menton, the weather becomes harsh. In Menton, there is a day shelter operated by the Local Social Action Centre (Centre communal d'action sociale), but night shelters are only available in nearby cities such as Cannes and Cagnes-sur-Mer. In my research, I contacted CCAS and they informed me that in winter, the city finds emergency shelters in Menton as well, with some local hotels offering help. Social workers from CCAS support people in dire situations and can be contacted directly at their office on “4 Promenade du Maréc”. Additionally, 115 is a free-of-charge national hotline for people looking for emergency healthcare.  This social emergency number also offers help and shelter to migrants and victims of domestic abuse.

1.  How can I help?

There are many initiatives for helping homeless people in Menton and the region. If you would like to help, you can try contacting CCAS directly or search for organisations such as ALC or the Red Cross that have initiatives helping people in such situations. If you ever see a person in need on the streets, you can contact 115 or CCAS on their behalf, both of which can send a social worker and provide them with emergency housing. In the colder months, life on the streets is harder than ever and homeless people are especially vulnerable, so if you believe a person is in need of medical attention, it might be a good idea to contact emergency services. Homeless people are at a high risk of alcohol and substance abuse, which might lead to health complications. We often overlook people on the streets, but sometimes they might really need our attention. 

Recently, a number of Sciences Pistes have voiced they feel uncomfortable walking the streets at night, so if you ever encounter a person on the street who can be a danger to themselves or others, you should probably contact the authorities to help the person and keep others safe.

1. Conclusion

Walking through the streets of sunny Menton, we can’t help but notice the silent stories unfolding around us of people like Jean, each faced with their own journey. By embracing empathy and taking small actions—a smile, kind word or supporting local  initiatives, we can foster a community where everyone feels seen and valued. The issue is very relevant in France, and while the trends are worrying, there is hope for the future.