Lyon sadly takes home the gold this year! On Monday, November 18, the Abbé-Pierre Foundation held the third edition of its satirical Golden Spikes ceremony at the Théâtre de l’Atelier in Paris. The goal? To denounce the increasingly common anti-homeless measures that are astonishingly... inhumane.
Among the 2024 winners, a Lyonnais initiative stood out at 78, rue de Marseille, in the 7th arrondissement, receiving over 13,000 votes. There, massive flower pots, half-empty and abandoned, squat under the porch of the Logifac student residence. Their plant occupants? Clearly on vacation for years, according to Google Maps photos. The Abbé-Pierre Foundation recognized them in the "The Nail" category, a symbol of the grossest hostility, in the eyes of the public.
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A Disturbing Satirical Prize
Awarded by the comedian and foundation's ambassador, Blanche Gardin, this prize is far from glorious. Christophe Robert, the general delegate of the foundation, didn't hold back: "These installations serve only to push away those who are already in great difficulty." It's a powerful reminder that for far too many, living on the streets is a daily reality.
330,000 People Homeless in France
For the Abbé-Pierre Foundation, this ceremony isn't just a mockery; it's an urgent call to action. With 330,000 homeless people in France, including 2,200 children, the situation is critical. The foundation is advocating for a plan called "Homeless: Zero Goal", aiming to provide priority access to housing for the most vulnerable and dignified solutions for migrants.
Citizens are even encouraged to get involved by reporting these disgraceful setups to motivate local officials to take action. In Lyon and beyond, this "fight" for a more human city is just getting started.
