The general assembly of the Pieds et coeur au chaud association on Saturday October 26, in Mimizan, was an opportunity to take stock of the actions carried out, in particular, for the record, the reception of people without the possibility of housing. During the winter of 2023-2024, 48 people, including 13 women, were helped, for a total of 451 nights. A number increasing compared to the previous season.
The president, Patrick Baillard, specifies that “the association is not seeking to increase its reception capacity, because it is difficult for us volunteers to manage more than five people at a time. We are firmly committed to maintaining the friendly dimension of our welcome. »
Resumption of marauding
An unconditional reception of seven days is granted unless there is a behavioral problem. After this period, a reference volunteer studies with the person the interest or not of an extension. The community of communes also makes mobile homes available for people with a vehicle. Three volunteers take care of transforming the products donated by LIDL into hot dishes.
Some 19 volunteers took part in the marauding last winter. For the coming winter, they will start on 1is December and will continue until March 31, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On board a vehicle loaned by the CCAS, a circuit is set up between the town and the beach, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to hot food, blankets or sleeping bags can be offered, the possibility of a shower and laundry detergent, all this in discretion, without judgment, and with attentive listening.
The association works in close collaboration with the SIAO (Integrated Reception and Orientation Services), which manages the 115 and directs people, and with the CCAS, which lends the premises, just asking to pay for the water and electricity.
Welcome of pilgrims
Every year, from 1is April to October 15, Pieds et coeur au chaud welcomes walkers heading to Compostela to its premises. Unlike emergency reception which is free, it costs 15 euros per night, breakfast included. The sums thus collected are used to accommodate homeless people from November 1st to March 31st. For 2024, a total of 75 pilgrims have been welcomed.
