A survival kit distributed to a homeless person -
OlaTaNea / AG Compagnon
During the first confinement, Anne-Gabrielle Compagnon began to distribute survival kits to the homeless in the capital.
These solidarity backpacks are made up of basic necessities.
Anne-Gabrielle Compagnon also ensures that she takes the time to discuss.
“The goal is also for this distribution to be a moment of exchange,” she explains.
An idea that comes from an observation, a moment.
"I decided to get started during confinement because personally I had time and there was a more pressing need on the homeless side than usual", explains Anne-Gabrielle Compagnon.
At that time, the 35-year-old young woman decided to get involved in favor of the homeless in the capital by providing a "unique solution": survival kits sponsored online by citizens.
And this, without consideration.
She had already tested the device a few months before.
In a more individual way.
“At Christmas time, I had started asking people what they would put in kits.
And I had distributed a few.
Then, I launched an online jackpot, ”she continues.
After collecting 1,500 euros, she shifts into high gear, sets up the OlaTaNea structure and distributes twenty hygiene and first aid kits to twenty homeless people.
“People buy the kits and I take care of distributing them to the homeless,” she says.
Solidarity backpacks made up of basic necessities.
Masks, hydroalcoholic gel, socks
"The first kits were notably made in collaboration with an association of firefighters who explained to me what could be useful for homeless people," she notes.
So, she created three different kits.
A hygiene kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wipes, handkerchiefs at the price of 39 euros.
And a feminine hygiene kit with sanitary napkins and tampons.
A second type of kit is more geared towards first aid, a “very popular” kit, notes Anne-Gabrielle Compagnon.
There are masks and hydroalcoholic gel, disinfectant, dressings, bandages.
“In the street, injuries can degenerate very quickly,” she explains.
Finally, a third kit is more “textile-oriented” with fleeces, ponchos to protect against the rain or even socks.
“Each time, I ask the homeless what they think about it, if things are missing,” she explains.
Because Anne-Gabrielle Compagnon also ensures that she takes the time to discuss.
“The goal is also for this distribution to be a moment of exchange, possibly to guide them towards associations, to understand their situation and to discuss their needs.
For the kits, they are very affected.
They often say: “I didn't expect so much” ”.
But the second confinement put in place since Friday, October 30, slows down operations.
A second confinement "more complicated than the first"
Currently, 80 ready-made kits are just waiting to be distributed.
“The bond we are trying to create is very difficult at the moment with confinement and barrier gestures.
The kits are ready but I cannot distribute them with the quality of exchange that I would like ”.
According to her, this second confinement is "more complicated than the first" because the homeless housed in emergency "are often returned outside".
"Daytime centers can also accommodate less, so people wait their turn and with the onset of the cold, it's complicated," she adds.
And is people's solidarity during the first confinement less during this second?
“People's enthusiasm and availability are less.
There is also a precariousness that can be felt, ”she replies.
From now on, Anne-Gabrielle Compagnon hopes to seduce companies so that they sponsor or make donations.
“The more companies donate, the less expensive the kits will be and the more we can do,” says the one who will also launch kit fundraising campaigns and seek volunteers to help with logistics.
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Covid 19
Precarious
Homeless
Paris
Confinement
Solidarity
Poverty