Nfa – the village of hope | M6 | 66 minutes

Since March, Jacques, formerly of No Fixed Abode, has been running the first NFA village in France at Ivry-sur-Seine, in the Paris suburbs. This unusual village is reserved exclusively for the homeless. It?s a tiny paradise, totally unlike the usual reception centres for the homeless. For Jacques it?s a long-term dream come true. It?s taken him 18 years to persuade the authorities to open this village of 30 homes. His tenants are used to the street and hotel rooms. With no regular income, they can never get an apartment. In the village they pay a monthly rent of 90 euros. Like any other tenant, they sign a proper legal lease?a lease that is restricted to nine months maximum. Because the aim is not to stay in the village; it is a transition between the street and an apartment. Jacques and a government representative select the tenants, with particular regard to their ability to get themselves out of their situation. Even though the village is not entirely welcomed by the locals, Jacques is confident. He has one year to prove it works. If there are constant complaints from the neighbourhood, the project could be thrown into question. So, he doesn?t want any problems to arise. He?s even set up a disciplinary council. Despite the difficulties, Jacques finds the first results are satisfying. In a month and a half, 12 tenants have found work. If Jacques? gamble pays off, other villages like this will become a reality.