Over 2,300 Children Sleeping Rough in France Amid Rising Homelessness Crisis

At least 2,355 children—including 514 infants under the age of three—were left without a housing solution after calling 115, the emergency number for homeless people. Advocacy groups emphasize that these figures are likely underestimated. They exclude families who failed to connect with the hotline, those who never called, and those living in squats or slums.

“It is urgent that public officials act. A political awakening is vital for these children. If guaranteeing a roof to all children is not our priority, what is?” said Adeline Hazan, president of UNICEF France, pointing toward the upcoming 2027 presidential election as a critical junction for housing and accommodation policies.

The Direct Toll on Health and Education

The consequences of homelessness extend far beyond basic shelter deficits, severely impacting child development. UNICEF France and the FAS report that unhoused youth face physical and mental health deterioration, social isolation, exposure to violence, and difficulties in schooling.

Tragically, these conditions can be fatal. Data compiled by the collective Les morts de la rue indicates that 26 unhoused minors died in 2025. Among those young victims, 14 were children under four years old, while 12 were adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18.

Structural Deficits and Policy Failures

The crisis is exacerbated by systemic structural underfunding. A report published in July 2025 by three general inspections revealed that the nation’s emergency accommodation program suffers from chronic under-budgeting and a deficit of oversight. These factors prevent the network from responding to all requests.

In response to the shortfalls, housing advocates are pushing for a massive plan of social housing production.