In mainland France, it is estimated that at least 11,000 people live in slums, according to government figures, although associations believe the number is higher. They live in extremely precarious conditions, with many lacking access to running water and electricity.
These terrible living conditions are compounded by discrimination based on the origin of these individuals—a significant portion belonging to the Rom community, who are European Union citizens from Romania and Bulgaria—when interacting with public authorities and sometimes even other associations. These populations often face greater challenges than others in accessing common rights, social support, and professional integration.
Acina sees itself as a bridge between these groups and the common law, as well as other associations, organizations, and employers.
In 2023, more than 500 households were supported by the association; 116 families were able to access stable housing or permanent accommodation; and over a hundred individuals found employment.
In addition to this concrete work, the association also engages in awareness-raising and training missions for public agents and other associative actors, as well as advocacy actions aimed at influencing perceptions against foreigners, particularly addressing anti-Romani sentiment, which is a powerful form of racism in France.
“We are contributing to a change in mindsets,” emphasizes Suzanne de Bellescize. “And very often, when we take our partners to the field, their perspective changes, these prejudices fall away. We tend to have more prejudices about people we don’t know and have never met.”
