In France, a nonprofit called Bureaux du Coeur (Offices of the Heart) has been working with companies to turn unused office space into temporary overnight accommodations for people experiencing homelessness. The initiative, which began in 2019, has helped over 1,000 people and provided roughly 160,000 nights of shelter.

How it Works

Bureaux du Coeur works with companies to identify unused office space that can be converted into temporary bedrooms. Each company takes only one guest at a time, and the guests are selected by partner social service organizations. The guests commit to searching for long-term housing and employment opportunities, and the companies provide accommodation.

The initiative has been successful, with many participants finding stable housing and employment after their stay. One participant, Samy, a Sudanese trainee electrician, said, "I feel a little bit at home here. I feel a little freer."

Expanding Across Europe

Bureaux du Coeur aims to expand across Europe, where many cities are struggling with homelessness and underused office space. The initiative has already begun working with companies in Lisbon, Barcelona, and Brussels, and plans to continue its expansion in the coming years.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.