Around fifty unaccompanied minors managed to obtain a place in homes in Lille (North) on Wednesday November 20, 2024. Until then, they lived in a camp, among tents, in the Bois-Blancs district, reports France 3 Hauts-de-France.
Last winter, they were welcomed by a parish before being left to their own devices again. But thanks to the Utopia 56 association, they were able to stay together. Some local residents also got involved by welcoming minors into their homes, allowing them to take showers and eat. “We became very attached to them”explains a local resident.
A battle won
A collective was created by residents, who are mobilizing against “the immobility of the political bodies of the metropolis and the department”. Their petition even obtained nearly 3,300 signatures. On social networks, miners were also able to make their voices heard. This made it possible to get the institutions to react and free up enough places before the temperatures dropped.
For its part, the City of Lille launched a call for donations in order to collect warm clothing for the exiles. As explained Lille Newsthey need coats and clothing in sizes M, L and XL. They are looking for shoes ranging from 42 to 46, as well as accessories for the cold. Those wishing to help can still drop off their donations at city hall.
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