The lack of emergency shelter capacity is worsening the social situation in Geneva, Switzerland.
Homeless people face long waits, limited stays in shelters, and difficulties finding work and securing a stable life.
Over 750 people are living without shelter in Geneva, while the city has only around 500 places available in emergency centers. For many of them, securing a bed for the night does not mean the end of insecurity, as they are often forced back onto the streets.
According to Swiss public broadcaster RTS, the demand for emergency shelter is far greater than existing capacity. The relevant services receive an average of 150 calls per day, while the number of free places remains extremely limited.
“Yesterday we only had two vacancies. There are days when we have none. Practically, all the centers are full,” says Gabriela, a social worker in the housing service.
One of the main difficulties is the 30-night stay limit in emergency shelters. After this period, people must wait two weeks before they can register again.
At the civil defense shelter in Richmond, about 80 people are accommodated every night throughout the year. They are provided with a bed, a meal and the opportunity to shower, but at 08:00 in the morning they have to leave.
According to the center’s director, Lorenzo Maggio, among those seeking help are people who have experienced serious life events, isolated people with health problems, and people struggling with addiction.
In periods when they are unable to stay in shelters, homeless people rely on humanitarian organizations and volunteers.
The Point d’Eau center provides hygiene services, free medical care, and clean clothing. Meanwhile, dental care remains an important need, as the difficult living conditions directly affect oral health.
Volunteer dentist Sabry Sadfi says he regularly treats patients with severe dental and jaw injuries. These problems, in addition to their health consequences, can also make it difficult for them to find a job.
Another obstacle for homeless people is their residence status in Switzerland. Social workers say that people without the necessary legal rights cannot get a job, making it even more difficult to escape poverty.
This situation is also experienced by Habou, a young man from Mali, who is currently staying at the Richemond shelter.
“There are many companies that would hire us, but without a residence permit it is impossible. I have no choice but to sleep on the streets,” he says.
Chris and Salomé secure accommodation, but fear for the future persistsAfter many difficulties, Chris and Salomé have managed to secure accommodation for three months in a municipal center that also accepts their dog, Ruby.
For them, this opportunity represents a step towards returning to a more normal life, away from the uncertainty of the road.
“Now we’re learning to live again, because on the street everything is about survival,” says Chris.
However, the fear that they may be left homeless again continues to haunt them.
The case of Geneva highlights the need beyond emergency shelter: long-term solutions that enable homeless people to secure stable housing, access health services, and integrate into the labor market.