Infosville: Can you tell us how you help people?

A.Lebert: The people we help are seriously disadvantaged in terms of health problems, addiction, legal problems, anti-social behaviour, jobless and homeless. One of our staff initially evaluates their level of motivation and works on a 9 month plan with them to return them to society. The programme starts with resocialisation with cleanliness, health, morale building and self-acceptance with workshops for the first stage and adaptation to working life workshops teaching house-cleaning and maintenance for example. People work in groups and if they are capable become salaried staff in the association, which carries out short-term work projects for individuals and companies. When this stage is successfully completed it leads to temporary and permanent work contracts. After 9 months we hope that the person gets a stable job and accommodation, which is the most difficult part.

Infosville: Can you tell us about your Shelter?

A.Lebert: To help resolve the problem of accommodation, we have a temporary shelter open all year, day and night, with 25 places in 19 studios for 1 or 2 people. There are 5 members of staff on reception and 15 salaried staff who work in rosters to ensure a permanent staff presence. In July 2007, we obtained an agreement with the State to rent 10 studios in the town centre for people coming to the end of the resocialisation programme. We therefore have 35 places in total.