Support most vulnerable & fight against isolation

In France, inequalities in access to holidays remain significant. More than 40% of the population does not go on holiday, including several million children. Among the lowest-income families, this figure can exceed 60%. The barriers are often financial, but can also be psychological, cultural, or linked to family circumstances.

For many children supported by Secours Catholique, going on holiday is an opportunity that remains out of reach. Yet holidays play an essential role in children's development and well-being. They provide an opportunity to step away from everyday routines, discover new horizons, gain independence and build confidence.

HOLIDAYS TO EXPLORE, GROW AND THRIVE

Believing that holidays are a powerful tool for inclusion and personal development, Secours Catholique launched the first holidayprogram in 1948, shortly after its founding. Its aim was - and remains up to this day - to give children, teenagers and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to take part in holiday, with or without their families. Over time, the programme evolved from individual stays with host families to group summer holiday camps for children and/or adults, with both formats co-existing today.

Organized in partnership with specialized organizations, the collective stays allow participants to discover new environments for one to two weeks, whether by the sea, in the mountains or in the countryside, while taking part in a wide range of outdoor, sporting and cultural activities.

Beyond recreation, these experiences help young people broaden their horizons, develop their curiosity, gain independence and build self-confidence.

“I am far away from where I live, I feel free, and it's a complete change of environment for me.”, says Tabitha.

This program is fully aligned with the mission of Secours Catholique, which works to combat poverty, exclusion and inequality by supporting nearly one million people across France each year, thanks to the commitment of more than 58,000 volunteers.

A HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE OPEN TO ALL

One of the key strengths of the Solidarity Holidays program is its inclusive approach. The families and children supported by Secours Catholique take part in holiday camps that are open to all and are fully integrated into the groups. Children spend time alongside young people from a wide range of social, cultural and geographical backgrounds. Families experience some much-needed time away from their daily lives.

This diversity encourages new encounters, openness to others and the discovery of different realities. It helps break down social barriers and enables each participant to find their place within a group and feel a sense of belonging.

SUPPORT THAT BEGINS LONG BEFORE THE HOLIDAY

The role of Secours Catholique goes far beyond funding holiday stays.

Each year, more than 50 volunteers support families throughout every stage of the process. They identify children and families that could benefit from the program, answer parents’ questions, help with administrative procedures, and assist with the practical organization of the trip.

For many families, a holiday stay is a genuine family project and often a first experience of spending time away from home. This support helps overcome practical and psychological barriers while reassuring parents who organise a stay for the first time or are sending their child to a holiday camp for the very first time.

BENEFITS THAT LAST LONG AFTER THE SUMMER ENDS

The positive effects of these holiday stays are felt by both children and their families.

“These holidays truly re-energized us and created unforgettable memories for the whole family.”, says a family.

For young participants, the youth camps foster personal development, self-confidence and independence. Many discover a new environment for the first time, far removed from their everyday surroundings. They learn to live and interact with others, develop new skills and become more independent.

The activities also encourage learning through experience. By discovering new activities and new horizons, children broaden their perspective on the world and begin to envision new possibilities for their future.

Families also report positive changes after their children's return. Parents often speak of their children's enthusiasm and pride, as well as increased confidence and motivation, particularly as they prepare to return to school. The memories created during the holiday help strengthen family bonds and continue to have a positive impact long after the summer has ended.

Volunteers also observe that family stays often strengthen their relationships. Children's perception of their parents evolves positively, helping to reinforce parental roles and family ties.

For some families facing difficult living conditions, the holiday stay also provides a valuable opportunity for respite and relief.

Finally, life in a group setting helps children learn respect, solidarity and cooperation, while fostering a stronger sense of citizenship and community.

“I had an unforgettable holiday with my family, moments I had never experienced before. This was made possible thanks to Secours Catholique, which allowed my family and me to share moments of happiness and peace that we will cherish forever.” a family shares.

KEY FIGURES

• 300 children and teenagers benefited from a holiday stay in 2024.
• 200 families benefited from the family holiday access program in 2024.
• More than 50 volunteers support families and help prepare children for their holiday experience each year.
• €500,000 annual program budget covering transportation, accommodation, supervision and activities.

A PROJECT MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH SOLIDARITY

Thanks to the support of partners and donors, hundreds of children each year can enjoy a holiday experience that would otherwise be beyond their reach, helping ensure that no child is excluded from the opportunities that holidays can provide.

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.