Paris’s Forgotten Families: How Vouchers & Kindness Keep Hope Alive

When you think of Paris, you might picture the Eiffel Tower , chic cafes, or romantic strolls along the Seine. But behind the postcard-perfect scenes, a hidden crisis is unfolding for families living on the edge of poverty—a crisis deepened by the pandemic.

The Hidden Crisis Behind the Eiffel Tower

COVID-19 didn’t just hit the elderly hard. For Paris’s economically vulnerable, the pandemic became a perfect storm . Imagine living in temporary hostels, juggling unstable jobs, and lacking access to healthcare—all while trying to protect your family from a virus. That’s the reality for thousands in the City of Light.

Vouchers: A Lifeline with Limits

With no formal employment safety nets, many rely on food vouchers and community aid to survive. But these aren’t just about meals —they’re a fragile bridge to human connection. 'For some, we’re the only people they talk to all week,' shared a local volunteer.

Why It Matters to All of Us

This isn’t just a Paris story. It’s a wake-up call for cities worldwide. When inequality deepens, everyone loses. As borders reopen and travelers flock to Paris, let’s remember that solidarity isn’t just a hashtag—it’s the glue holding communities together.

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Paris's vulnerable poor dependant on vouchers… and human contact

cgtn.com