Paris: Homeless (and dogs) welcomed on Order of Malta's floating hostel

Le Fleuron Saint Jean

The Order of Malta have found a unique solution to help homeless people in Paris. In 1999 they acquired Le Fleuron Saint Jean - an old industrial barge originally built to transport sand and coal along the canals of France. The 38 metre long vessel, now moored on the banks of the River Seine, has been converted into a floating home with 35 cabins and offers hospitality to homeless men, and their dogs, 365 days a year. In 2013 it welcomed 875 passengers. A stay on board gives them a chance to regain their strength, both physical and psychological, and helps them find a life plan.

Guests are assisted by 11 crew members: five night watchmen, two technical officers, an animator, a social assistant, the director and his deputy. The team also are supported by 80 volunteers, who run a soup kitchen and keep the passengers company.

Le Fleuron Saint Jean was originally created to provide emergency shelter to people living in the street. Since the end of October 2013, the maximum duration of stay was increased from four weeks to three months, renewable for up to six months.

During their stay guests are helped to know their rights, to access healthcare and veterinary care for their dogs, to look for work if they are unemployed and to open a bank account.

Read more on the Order of Malta site here: www.ordredemaltefrance.org/fr/solidarite-precarite-exclusion/2011-07-09-19-26-18/accueil-et-hebergement-durgence/le-fleuron-saint-jean.html

See a short film about the barge (in French) here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzCQ3JjzQJs