France heatwave: homeless people on the front line against the heat

France Heatwave: Homeless Individuals Face Harsh Conditions Amid Rising Temperatures

France heatwave - As the summer of 2026 intensifies, France is grappling with a severe heatwave that has left 61 regions under extreme weather warnings. The crisis shows no signs of abating, with temperatures remaining perilously high despite a modest easing forecast for Saturday. By then, 13 départements in the country’s central and southwestern areas will see the alert lifted, but the rest of the nation will still contend with sweltering heat. For many, the struggle to survive is no longer a seasonal inconvenience but a daily battle against the elements.

The Struggle for Survival in the Heat

While the general public can retreat to air-conditioned spaces or seek relief through hydration, the homeless population faces a starkly different reality. Without access to basic amenities like cooling systems or regular water supplies, they are forced to endure the unforgiving conditions of the streets. This vulnerability has become even more pronounced as the heatwave stretches into its third week, with temperatures climbing to dangerous levels in major cities like Marseille.

Francis Vernède, regional president of the Fondation pour le Logement des Défavorisés—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting disadvantaged individuals—has been personally visiting those without shelter to provide aid. “The homeless are just as at risk in summer as they are in winter,” he explains, challenging the common perception that they are primarily a winter concern. “In fact, their mortality rate during the hotter months is often higher, making heat a significant threat to their survival.”

“Today in Marseille, the heat is relentless. For dozens, if not hundreds, of people living on the streets, the struggle to find shade is a daily ritual. They’re constantly on the move, searching for patches of relief in the sun-scorched city,” Vernède adds.

The physical toll of the heatwave is compounded by the lack of consistent access to water and shelter. Valentin, a 24-year-old who has been sleeping outdoors for over a year, describes the arduous routine of survival. “We start looking for shade at dawn,” he says, explaining how he and his two dogs must navigate the streets before the day’s heat becomes unbearable. “By the time the police come and tell us to relocate, we’ve already been in the same spot for hours. It’s a cycle that never ends.”

Similarly, Bastien, a 31-year-old homeless man, highlights the dangers of dehydration. “If you don’t drink enough, you can collapse by midday. The sun burns through your skin like a knife, and there’s no escape from it,” he admits. His words underscore the fragility of life for those without the means to protect themselves from the elements.

Calling for Policy Change

Vernède is not just speaking out—he is demanding action. “This isn’t about funding alone. It’s about dignity and ensuring these people can live without suffering,” he emphasizes. The call to the government includes a plea for immediate measures to expand cooling facilities and provide emergency hydration stations. His message is clear: the current system is failing those most in need during the climate crisis.

Meanwhile, the campaign group Les Morts de la Rue has released alarming data revealing that nearly 30% of deaths among the homeless occur during the summer months. This statistic is a stark reminder of how critical the situation has become. The group argues that without systemic support, the heatwave will only exacerbate the existing challenges faced by the homeless, pushing them further into life-threatening conditions.

A City on Edge

Marseille, a city already grappling with urban heat islands, has become a focal point of the crisis. The combination of rising temperatures and the lack of green spaces makes it particularly difficult for rough sleepers to find respite. Vernède describes the streets as a “concrete jungle,” where shade is scarce and the sun’s glare is relentless. “Even during the night, the heat lingers. There’s no cooling down in the city,” he says, illustrating the constant strain on the homeless population.

For Valentin, the challenge is not just about finding shade but also about maintaining his dogs’ health. “They can’t withstand the heat like humans. If we don’t move them to a cooler spot, they could be at risk of heatstroke,” he explains. This highlights the interconnected struggles of individuals and their animals, as both must adapt to the same harsh environment.

The situation has also forced local authorities to rethink their response strategies. While some have opened temporary cooling centers, the demand far exceeds the available resources. “These people need more than temporary shelters. They need long-term solutions,” says Vernède, pointing to the need for better housing policies and infrastructure to support the most vulnerable.

A Growing Crisis

As the heatwave continues, the impact on the homeless population is becoming increasingly severe. With temperatures expected to peak in the coming days, the risk of heat-related illnesses rises. Experts warn that without adequate intervention, the summer months could see a surge in hospital admissions and fatalities among those without shelter.

“This is not an isolated event,” says a spokesperson for Les Morts de la Rue. “It’s part of a larger pattern of extreme weather that’s becoming more frequent. The homeless are on the front lines of this crisis, suffering more than anyone else.” The group is urging the government to prioritize the needs of the homeless in its climate adaptation plans, emphasizing that their survival depends on timely action.

As the heatwave lingers, the resilience of the homeless community is being tested. Their daily routines are disrupted, their health is compromised, and their dignity is challenged. Yet, they continue to persevere, relying on ingenuity and solidarity to survive. For them, the streets are not just a place to sleep but a battleground where the fight for life and dignity is waged every day.