It is a real laboratory of social diversity which is about to open its doors on the island of Nantes. The "proof that we can make the city differently, in an inclusive and collaborative way", insists the mayor of Nantes, Johanna Rolland. A stone's throw from the Béghin Say factory and the construction site of the future CHU, the “Les 5 Ponts” operation is a set of three buildings where several activities will coexist: services and accommodation for homeless people, housing (50 HLM apartments and 21 for purchase) open to everyone, business premises, but also an urban farm, a café, a community market and a garden. All grouped around a "village square" covered by sails.

“The goal is to create a place where we accept difference.

Where people with opposite life paths meet on a daily basis, talk to each other, spend time together why not.

This is fundamental to sweep away preconceived ideas and allow the most fragile situations to evolve, ”explains Denis Aftalion, president of Eaux vives Emmaüs, the association that is leading the project.

"Need of the inhabitants for it to work"

While the reception center for homeless people will only be operational on June 28, the first inhabitants are being installed.

Made attractive by prices slightly below the market, the apartments had no trouble selling.

“Both tenants and owners obviously come to know about the project.

We know that they will be kind to the process.

We will need them for it to work ”, explains Bruno Bataille, interregional director of the lessor CDC Habitat, owner of the real estate transaction, according to whom“ such a project is only done once in a lifetime. ".

All services in one place

The other innovation of the 5 Bridges lies in the grouping of services for people on the street. A daytime reception with 80 places, a night stop with 30 places, 40 stabilization studios, a social restaurant and a laundromat will be assembled on the site, in the presence of social workers. “Until now, our services were scattered throughout the city,” says the president of Eayx vives Emmaüs. The beneficiaries could not ask, it complicated their integration. From now on, there will be a beautiful working tool. “Work, precisely, people in precariousness will be able to be offered in the urban farm, at the rate of a few hours per week, within the framework of a preparation for the return to employment.

The overall project will have cost 22 million euros.

The major part (14 million euros) was financed by CDC Habitat.

Europe, the State and the communities made it possible to close the budget.

Its opening will result in the closure of the former reception centers managed by Eaux Vives Emmaüs (Île de Nantes, rue des Olivettes, quai de la Fosse).

Nantes

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Society

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  • Closed

  • Island of Nantes

  • Insertion

  • Social

  • Nantes

  • Homeless