In France, an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 children are living on the streets, highlighting a severe social emergency, according to Christophe Robert, General Delegate of the Abbé Pierre Foundation.

The situation is particularly dire in Paris, where around 500 families are experiencing homelessness daily, as reported by the Jamais sans toit Île-de-France collective.

The issue of homelessness extends beyond the capital, affecting cities like Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Lyon, where families are temporarily residing in schools and gyms due to a lack of emergency housing.

In Lyon alone, there are currently 333 homeless children, including 35 who are under the age of three, according to the collective 'Un toit, une école'.

In Strasbourg, educational staff are advocating for vacant housing to accommodate eight homeless students and their families, with some families temporarily housed at the school.

The living conditions for these families are catastrophic, with children attending school without having eaten and wearing damp clothing due to the cold weather.

The Abbé Pierre Foundation warns that inadequate housing has devastating consequences for children, leading to emotional fragility, school dropout, and social isolation.

Many children are suffering from health issues, as highlighted by a mother who has been homeless since moving to France eight months ago.

In response to the crisis, Housing Minister Valérie Létard has committed to enhancing monitoring of homeless children and increasing outreach services as temperatures drop.

The ongoing housing crisis, particularly regarding social housing, has resulted in a stagnant emergency shelter system, as noted by the Court of Auditors in October.

As of the beginning of 2023, the number of emergency shelter places increased from 198,000 to 203,000, with plans to maintain these numbers through 2025.

The Jamais sans toit collective has organized rallies in Paris, demanding the repurposing of buildings, such as a high school, to house families in need, criticizing the government's lack of action.