The Portes du soleil, a homeless shelter in the north of France, is more than just a roof over the heads of its residents. It provides facilities, offers activities and personal support, and above all focuses on the importance of structure in daily life.

We spoke to the President of the association, to its Director, and to one of the residents to find out how this organization makes a space into a real home.

The Portes du Soleil is a part of the BNP Paribas Foundation’s “Coup de Pouce” programme.