The route may vary but the day is always the same: every Friday evening until the end of May.
The Toulon collective Nos Amis de la rue only works with volunteers and a lot of will(ies). 75 homeless people took advantage of it last week.
They all transport carts filled with products, blankets, clothes and hot meals for the homeless.
“They know that the meeting point is at the Place d’Armes. Then we cross the city to Mayol before going up the Cours Lafayette, branching off towards the opera to finish at the station. Everywhere we go, people recognize us. The bond of trust is essential”, explains Magali Michèle, spokesperson for the collective.
Cakes and detergent pots
Indeed, in a few minutes Friday evening, women and men of all ages flocked around the carts. Children and supervisors from the La Frégate Medical-Educational Institute (IME) were even there to lend a hand.
“Some prepared cakes which we cut into slices and packaged in individual bags to keep them fresh. Others offered small pots of detergent for the homeless. To be used in the laundromat”adds Christophe, one of the managers of the IME.
Way of saying that the products and meals served in the street are of the same quality as those served “hot”. It’s a real decentralized kitchen that is setting up in the city. With the efficiency of a professional service.
“Partners-traders from Toulon offered us bread, pizzas, pastries… Others gave us small bottles of water to distribute. It was a calm and serene marauding as we like them. Which allowed us to take the time to chat with many of our friends”adds Magali.
“Me, I just about manage to have enough to eat.” confides Daniel, who has been on the street for several months. “What I lack are warm blankets to endure the night outside. To survive. So, I take what I can: a plastic sheet or clothes that I put on me. This evening, I received a wool blanket: the dream!”
Stock at its lowest
Exactly. The stock of Nos Amis de la rue blankets is at its lowest. The collective is launching an appeal to Toulon residents who have them.
Because, in a single evening, around fifteen were given. Down jackets, warm jackets and underwear were also distributed. “Hygiene products were also in high demand: shower gels, deodorants, razors, toothbrushes…”
Above all, all the Street Friends were served hot meals and were able to leave with sweets, fruit, cheese and cans of food. Not forgetting homemade soup for the volunteers or hot chocolate/coffee on site.
“But responding to so many people in the middle of the month is really a lot. Worrying even,” remarks a volunteer. “Last year it wasn’t as much.”
