Squat Saint Just, Former convent in Saint-Just district, Marseille, France
Squat Saint Just is a large 18th-century building with multiple floors containing sleeping quarters, bathrooms, and shared living areas. The structure was designed to house around 400 people in a central location within the city.
The building originally functioned as a retirement home for religious members before housing an autism support organization. Following its occupation in December 2018, it transitioned into a residence for displaced and migrant families.
The building became a hub for mutual aid networks that supported vulnerable populations seeking shelter and stability. Volunteers and aid organizations transformed the space into a place where community members worked together to meet basic needs.
The location is situated in a central neighborhood of Marseille with good accessibility by foot or public transit. Medical services, language instruction, and material support from aid organizations were made available to residents.
Several babies were born to families living within the building between 2018 and 2020, marking significant moments of hope and continuity. These births demonstrated that the space had become a true home for those seeking shelter.
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