We would not suspect that there is such an atmosphere in this room at the end of a corridor, in the premises of the Rhéso association. A warm, friendly and family atmosphere.
Since November 4, and throughout the winter, the day center has increased its time slots with the help of the town hall, the Lions club and Restos du coeur. Rhéso opens its doors, the municipality takes care of the food supply and volunteers from the two other associations go there three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday).
Around 35 people come these afternoons to drink coffee or eat something. It's a real mission to manage a service like this, orders go well at peak time, around 2:30 p.m..”You have to adapt to everyone's behavior and mood. You have to take them as they are“, explains Chantal, a volunteer at Restos du coeur.
On this Wednesday, November 13, it is her and Josette, also from Restos du coeur, who are in charge; affectionately nicknamed “auntie” and “granny” by the beneficiaries. It's been four years that the association, and the two retirees, have been helping out during the four months of winter break.
By and by, they know the regulars, “we always find the same people, they can't get out of precariousness“, regrets Chantal. Beneficiaries of the Rhéso association, homeless people, people with disabilities are all profiles who parade through the day reception during the afternoon. And there is a golden rule at the two volunteers: “We don't ask why they push the door.”
An enchanted parenthesis
A relationship of trust, even friendship, is established. An essential social connection for these people, who are often alone. “Luckily you are here“, says Mohamed, 63 years old, and homeless. Same feeling for Ali, 55 years old, housed and accompanied in his daily life by Rhéso. For him, it is the kindness of the people around him that gives him balm in his heart “There is a lot of respect towards us“, emphasizes Chantal.
While some remain discreet in their own corner, others like to socialize with volunteers and other beneficiaries. For those who have been coming for several years like Erwin, it is for the friendly environment and the complicity he has with “aunt” and “grandma”. For the musical atmosphere, Valérie will choose La Montagne by Jean Ferrat and Mohamed from Grand corps Malad. A high school refectory feel.
Rhéso takes this moment of exchange even further by inviting, once a month, young people followed by the association's Toit d'abord system to come and follow a cooking workshop with the beneficiaries of the day care. Next, and first meeting, Wednesday November 20 for a pancake afternoon. Enough, for sure, to warm the hearts of these people in difficulty.
Rhéso day center open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., all winter, at 55 rue Alfred-Michel.
