France faces surge in extreme poverty and homelessness

Extreme poverty and housing precariousness are rising significantly in France. According to data analyzed by the NGO Restos du Coeur, extreme poverty increased by 37% between 2018 and 2025, while housing precariousness surged by 62%.

Approximately 350,000 people are estimated to be living on the streets in France, a figure that has doubled over the last decade. This population is highly heterogeneous, including women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with mental health issues. The health of this group is severely degraded, with high rates of tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and cardiovascular diseases. Life expectancy for those experiencing homelessness is roughly half that of the general population, estimated at 45 years for men and 43 years for women.

Research indicates that inflation accounts for 52% of the increase in homelessness since 2018. Children aged 0 to 9 are disproportionately affected, representing 25% of those in precarious housing situations compared to 10% of the general population. Single-parent families and individuals under 25 are also over-represented. Factors such as unemployment and lack of social housing are closely linked to these trends; researchers suggest that increasing the supply of social housing could significantly reduce homelessness.