Paris: emergency shelter and other services
Updated 16 January 2024
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1. Information for if you are destitue in Paris
1.1 Where to eat and drink
Les Camions des Restaurants du Cœur (food vans) for 2023-2024
Hot meals are distributed Monday to Saturday from 8pm, Sunday from 7.30pm at the following places.
Monday
- Austerlitz : jardin Tino Rossi (5th arrondissement)
- Gare Saint-Lazare : place de Budapest (9th arrondissement)
- Gare de l’Est : 1, avenue de Verdun (10th arrondissement)
- Nation : 42, cours de Vincennes (12th arrondissement)
- Denfert-Rochereau : place de l’Île-de-Sein / boulevard Arago (14th arrondissement)
Tuesday
- Invalides : 9, rue Fabert (commissariat de police) (7th arrondissement)
- République : place de la République (11th arrondissement)
- Bréguet-Sabin : 16, boulevard Richard-Lenoir (11th arrondissement)
- Denfert-Rochereau : place de l’Île-de-Sein / boulevard Arago (14th arrondissement)
- Porte de Saint-Ouen : 15, avenue de la Porte-de-Saint-Ouen (17th arrondissement)
Wednesday
- Gare Saint-Lazare : place Budapest (9th arrondissement)
- Gare de l’Est : 1, avenue de Verdun (10th arrondissement)
- Nation : 42, cours de Vincennes (12th arrondissement)
- Denfert-Rochereau : place de l’Île-de-Sein / boulevard Arago (14th arrondissement)
- Porte de Saint-Ouen : 15, avenue de la Porte-de-Saint-Ouen (17th arrondissement)
Thursday
- Austerlitz : jardin Tino Rossi (5th arrondissement)
- Invalides : 9, rue Fabert (commissariat de police) (7th arrondissement)
- Bréguet-Sabin : 16, boulevard Richard-Lenoir (11th arrondissement)
- République : place de la République (11th arrondissement)
- Porte de Saint-Ouen : 15, avenue de la Porte-de-Saint-Ouen (17th arrondissement)
Friday
- Gare Saint-Lazare : place Budapest (9th arrondissement)
- Gare de l’Est : 1, avenue de Verdun 10th arrondissement)
- Nation : 42, cours de Vincennes (12th arrondissement)
- Denfert-Rochereau : place de l’Île de Sein / boulevard Arago (14th arrondissement)
- Porte de Saint-Ouen : 15, avenue de la Porte-de-Saint-Ouen (17th arrondissement)
Saturday
- Invalides : 9, rue Fabert (commissariat de police) (7th arrondissement)
- République : place de la République (11th arrondissement)
- Bréguet-Sabin : 16, boulevard Richard-Lenoir (11th arrondissement)
Sunday
- Invalides : 9, rue Fabert (commissariat de police) (7th arrondissement)
- Gare de l’Est : 1, avenue de Verdun (10th arrondissement)
- Denfert-Rochereau : place de l’Île-de-Sein / boulevard Arago (14th arrondissement)
1.2 Water fountains
In streets, parks and gardens, 1,200 public fountains and drinking water points provide drinking water.
1.3 Day care centre
Accueil Ozanam Madeleine is a charity providing snacks, a place to shower, wash clothes, access to wifi and information and social support. Located at Place de la Madeleine, 14 rue de Surène (8th arrondissement) under the Madeleine church.
Their opening times are:
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Open to women 2 to 5pm |
| Wednesday | Open to women 9am to 12pm and 2 to 5pm |
| Thursday | Open to men 9am to 12pm |
| Saturday | Open to women 10am to 12.30pm and men 2.30 to 5pm |
| Sunday | Open to men 10am to 12.30pm |
Telephone number: +33 (0)1 47 42 22 47.
Website: http://www.ozanam-madeleine.fr.
1.4 Emergency accommodation
SAMU Social
Call the SAMU social on 115 if you need emergency accommodation. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is very limited availability.
Le Centre d’hébergement et d’assistance aux personnes sans-abri (CHAPSA)
CHAPSA is a homeless shelter for adults located at Nanterre (northwest of Paris). The meeting point is in the north of Paris at 1 place Auguste-Baron near the metro station, Porte de la Villette. The police (BAPSA) organise transport by coach to CHAPSA, one leaving from 3pm and another from 5pm. We have been informed that you can also approach the RATP helpdesk for information about pick up points at the following RER and metro stations; Nation, Auber, Chatelet.
A bed for the night along with dinner and breakfast will be provided. There are shower facilities and access to medical and social support. In the morning, there are coaches to bring people back to Paris.
Pick up point : 1 place Auguste-Baron, Paris
Telephone : 01 53 71 62 88
Website: www.ch-nanterre.fr/CHAPSA/5/44/69
1.5 Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| SAMU (medical emergency) | 15 |
| Fireman | 18 |
| Police | 17 |
| European emergency number for ambulance, firemen and police | 112 |
| You are deaf or hard of hearing or you are not able to call (talk), you can send a free text message or use after downloading the app on your smartphone | 114 |
| SAMU social (emergency accommodation) | 115 |
| Children in danger | 119 |
| Women violence info | 3919 |
| Suicide prevention | 3114 |
1.6 Medical care
In case of a medical emergency call 15 or 112. The accident and emergency hospital services are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will entitle UK residents to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as French nationals. If you do not have your card with you or you’ve lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 191 218 1999.
French pharmacists are trained professionals who generally speak some English. They can give advice and are legally able to provide basic first-aid in their pharmacies. They can also recommend doctors in the area.
1.7 British consular services in France
24-hour support is available by telephone for all routine enquiries and emergencies. Please call 00 33 (0)1 44 51 31 00.
35 rue du Faubourg St Honoré
75008 Paris
+33 (0)1 44 51 31 00 / +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Les Docks de Marseille-La Joliette
10 Place de la Joliette
Atrium 10.3
1st Floor
13002 Marseille
+33 (0) 4 91 15 72 10 / +44 (0)20 7008 5000
14 Rue Montesquieu
33000 Bordeaux
+33 (0)5 57 22 21 10 / +44 (0)20 7008 5000
1.8 Further information
“Ville de Paris, Le Guide 2023-2024” (available in French only).
Soliguide (available in English) brings together all the services, initiatives and resources for people who encounter a difficulty.
1.9 Feedback and Disclaimer
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides lists of service providers for information only, to assist British nationals who may need support overseas. This list is not exhaustive, and is subject to change at any time. None of the service providers are endorsed or recommended by the FCDO. You should research whether a service provider will be suitable. The FCDO does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information.