By Emmanuel Perrin | Project manager
At the end of 2025, a new welcoming space opened its doors in the heart of Marseille: La Claire-Maison, a day shelter dedicated to women—alone or with young children—who are homeless or living in informal housing. Located on rue Breteuil in the city’s 6th district, this initiative is led by Secours Catholique Marseille, in partnership with the La Xavière Congregation, the owner of the premises. The project is the result of three years of collective effort and attentive listening to the needs expressed by the women most directly concerned.
“The Claire-Maison day shelter on rue Breteuil is a place of mutual support and fraternity, dedicated to women—alone or with young children—who are homeless or living in informal housing. Its mission is to help them break out of isolation, improve their living conditions, and empower them to take an active role in their daily lives and future.”
A PRESSING NEED FOR SPACES DEDICATED TO WOMEN
In Marseille, one third of people experiencing homelessness are women or children—a reality that often remains invisible. Although efforts have been made by public authorities since 2021, alongside the work of community organizations, existing services remain ill-suited to the specific needs of these particularly vulnerable women, many of whom are survivors of violence.
A recent Senate report confirms that women living on the streets are far more exposed to assault than men. Many develop strategies of invisibility: they hide, walk at night to avoid danger, or refuse access to mixed-gender facilities out of fear or discomfort.
“Many women don’t dare to come—or to come back—because they say they don’t feel comfortable or safe around men,” explains Pauline Duclos, a community facilitator with Secours Catholique in Marseille.
It is in response to this urgent reality that La Claire-Maison chose to operate as a women-only space—an approach now shared by several day shelters within the Secours Catholique network.
“Being among women feels better. You can step out of the shower wrapped in a towel without worrying,”says Abbla, formerly homeless and now a volunteer.
A PLACE FOR RESPITE, HEALING AND CONNECTION
The 160 m² welcoming space, spread over two floors, will initially be open three half-days per week. Our approach is rooted in a strong conviction: women urgently need a place where they can breathe, talk, wash, rest—and above all, begin to rebuild themselves in an environment of respect, dignity and fraternity.
At La Claire-Maison, women will find a caring and secure setting, offering:
Breakfast, showers, and access to laundry facilities
A rest room equipped with beds, allowing women to relax in complete peace
Individual support to help them assert their rights, find housing solutions, access healthcare, and more
Group activities designed to foster social bonds, rebuild self-esteem and restore a sense of agency
“If we can have a few hours of peace, that already means a lot,” shares Fettouma, a single mother and co-creator of the project, who has been without stable housing for two years.
A COLLECTIVE EFFORT
La Claire-Maison was built through ongoing dialogue between the Xavières, Secours Catholique, local authorities, community and social partners, and the women themselves. We warmly thank the City of Marseille for its support.
The realization of this project was made possible thanks to the commitment of several foundations dedicated to fighting social exclusion and supporting solidarity-based initiatives—as well as through your generous donations.
By Maelle Meunier | Projet Manager
By Maelle Meunier | Projet Manager
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