In order to show local homeless people they are welcome in their shops, a network of stores in Paris have banded together to create Le Carillon. Based in the 11th district, the community organization created stickers to place in shop windows, indicating to the homeless population that they are welcome to come inside to ask for a glass of water or use the facilities to clean up. The stickers also inform them what services are available to them, including a hot meal, laptop use or a beverage on the house.
Le Carillon gives the needy some measure of dignity back as they can inquire without fear of being judged or rejected.This simple initiative is a valuable community-building tool that could easily be implemented in other urban centers.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Community Involvement Stickers
- Creating stickers to place in shop windows indicating they are welcome to the homeless population could create a new way of community building.
- Inclusive Service Advertising
- Advertising services in public spaces could help build a more inclusive society.
- Homeless Services Coordination
- Coordination between organizations and businesses could create a more effective system for providing services to the homeless population.
Where This Applies
- Retail
- Retail businesses could lead the way in creating welcoming environments for homeless people by implementing similar initiatives.
- Hospitality
- Hospitality industry could create more inclusive services and advertise them in public spaces to serve the homeless population and increase revenue as well.
- Social Services
- Better coordination between organizations and businesses can lead to more effective use of existing resources and create new opportunities for social services industry.
