In front of the entrance to the premises of the Dracénoise branch of the Restos du Coeur (1), the queue is impressive and never empty. It’s 10 in the morning and about thirty beneficiaries are patiently waiting for their turn. All profiles, young or old, are waiting, baskets and empty shopping bags in hand, to be able to collect the meals (2) that will be provided to them for a week.
Launched on November 22, the association’s winter campaign is in full swing. And in Draguignan the crowds are large.
A 65% increase in requests
“258 families are currently enrolled, up from 156 last year, at the same time. An increase of 65%!”, immediately launches the head of the Dracénoise branch, Marie-Claude Clowez. And it’s not over… “We expect to reach 600 registered households this winter…”
A significant increase in registrations, partly linked to the consideration of energy expenditure in the acceptance criteria. And in the face of such an influx, the structure, however well organized, could reach its limits. “We don’t know how we’re going to make it…” the director confided.
“We lack space”
Because in the face of this ever-increasing influx a big problem arises: the premises of the structure. Provided by the Municipality, they are too small. And less and less adapted to the needs of the association. At the head of about fifty volunteers, Marie-Claude Clowez says: “It’s not arms we lack, but space…”
Proof of this is with the fixed caliber. Only seven people can enter the premises at the same time every quarter of an hour, each accompanied by a volunteer. Given the number of requests, that’s too little. But in front of the dedicated space, it is very…
Behind the room intended for the distribution of food, a room dedicated to administrative procedures. Here too promiscuity prevails, with cramped offices next to refrigerators or other microwave ovens, without privacy zones for new applicants who present clearly delicate situations. Lack of space, again.
How do I find a suitable venue? “We are trying to find a solution. But we need a place in the city centre, easy to access and big enough… it’s not easy…”
1. Restos du Coeur – 413, Boulevard Bernard Trans. Telephone: 04 94 85 05 90.
2. But also clothes or books.
.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1 "Comedy clips and other outstanding in the World Cup in Qatar")