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Emmaus celebrates the 70th anniversary of its creation by Abbé Pierre. The main objective of this association was to raise the companions, men with a broken destiny. AFP / Philippe Huguen

Emmaus is 70 years old. Founded in 1949 by the Abbé Pierre, the association helps the most deprived: home, housing, social integration or help in finding employment. The center of Emmaus Valmy, north of Paris, was celebrating the anniversary with a culinary workshop led by a great star chef. The opportunity for the people hosted to tell us the hazards that brought them there.

Sitting at the big table of the refectory, Rachid smiles when he smells the smell of spices released by the kitchen. Three years ago, Emmaus collected it: " Frankly, it has been a superb remedy for me in a very difficult time. I had lost my job, lost my best friend and father at the same time. I found myself evicted from my home since I was not paying rent. I had no more resources. I had gone to the social services of the 10th mayor's office who had directed me to Emmaus. I was able to resume the course of my normal life. "

A little further back, her head draped in a wax scarf, Ms. Boubacar could also find refuge here as she was fleeing the beatings of her husband. " I had problems with domestic violence. It is thanks to the 115 and the occupational medicine of my society that I have been guided here. In any case, since I'm here, I feel good. We are really followed, they have even created a place for those who need clothes to dress and sometimes they also have a hairdresser for those who want to do their hair. There are also beauty workshops for women who really want to be beautiful. "

Resume the taste of everyday life is what Emmaus offers in its 27 accommodation centers throughout France. Institutions thought to be places of transition for the most precarious. 70 years that the association takes care of it.

► See also: 70 years ago was founded the first community of Emmaus