North of Toulon, the Les Favières social residence is surrounded by nature. This former disused clinic, purchased in 2014 by the diocese of Fréjus-Toulon and managed by the Union diaconale du Var (UDV), was rehabilitated to accommodate emergency accommodation units (1) of the Samu social de Toulon area. A 1,600 m2 site where 49 people sent by the 115 are housed and fed. Women and men from the streets or living in very precarious conditions.
“Here, it’s Christmas every day”
“The primary goal is accommodation, and then integration into a care pathway and the search for a job,” explains Yann Herjean, the director of the establishment. Among the residents of this solidarity hostel, the profiles range from young people just out of child welfare, to a marginalized public. And also “20% asylum seekers”, specifies David Degéaux, head of department. Like this young Tunisian under OQTF, who discreetly submits a request for regularization to the prefect, just like sending a letter to Santa Claus…
“Here, it’s Christmas every day! We welcome people who don’t know where to sleep,” summarizes Gilles Rebêche, head of the Var diakonia. For example Jacqueline, who arrived five years ago. This ex-nurse suffers from syllogomania. “We found her among mountains of belongings, in one of her six garages where she stored everything…”
Kévin, 38 years old and RSA beneficiary, has been staying with his dog Noé for three months, to be closer to his two children placed in the region.
Difficult life journeys. And sometimes funny anecdotes: “We also have a resident who almost set fire to her room by lighting candles. She was very pious,” quips an educator.
Dignity and fraternity
Fifteen women found refuge at the foot of Coudon. Among them, Cathy, who underwent chemotherapy after breast cancer and who lost her partner. “It’s been a very heavy year,” worries the bishop. “There’s no point crying about your fate,” replies the resident. A dignity which commands the respect and admiration of Philippe Mahé. The State representative in Var (2) thus underlines “the pride of residents in being in a stage of reconstruction” and adds:
“What I remember from this visit is this climate of fraternity, this solidarity so that people can regain their self-esteem. We must be strong in our values and give a chance to those who have not had one. »
“I would love to hire you to give homilies!” », acquiesces, teasingly, Monseigneur François Touvet. And the man of faith assures him: “We share these same values, which we try to preach in our churches and through our actions”. Amen.
1. The Les Favières Accommodation and Social Reintegration Center (CHRS) is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and run by a multidisciplinary team made up of 20 employees and volunteers. The social residence also houses a Therapeutic Coordination Apartment (ACT) for 4 people.
2. The State finances 90% of the structure's annual operating costs, which amount to 1.7 million euros. Or 39 euros per person per day with full board.
