The Unconventional Home in Seine-Saint-Denis
The building, once a warehouse, apartments, and offices, now serves as a temporary home for 60 adults and children in Seine-Saint-Denis. The living conditions are challenging, with only one shower available. The ground floor is bustling with activity, as rats scurry under plastic chairs and parked baby strollers. The air is filled with a mix of scents – from the strong aroma of tomato and spices coming from makeshift kitchenettes on upper floors to the overpowering stench of damp clothes and clogged toilets.
In the inner courtyard, the sound of laughter resonates as children play and care for each other. Giggling babies are gently swung skyward by older children, creating a heartwarming scene amidst the harsh reality of their living situation.
The Transformation of Seine-Saint-Denis
Seine-Saint-Denis, once an industrial district, has undergone a significant transformation. The area now boasts trendy cafes and high-fashion houses alongside abandoned factories and makeshift housing like the warehouse where Mariam Komara, a 40-year-old undocumented immigrant from the Ivory Coast, resides. Despite the challenges, Mariam views this place as her safe haven and is preparing to defend her right to stay there in court.
As Seine-Saint-Denis gears up to host the Paris Olympics, the suburb is set to become a focal point for one of France’s major dilemmas. The region, with its high immigrant population, faces housing shortages and social tensions, exacerbated by the influx of hundreds of thousands of immigrants in recent years.
| Key Facts about Seine-Saint-Denis |
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| Population: Over 1.6 million people |
| Immigrant Percentage: Approximately one-third of the population |
| Social Impact: Immigrant influx has strained housing resources and government services |
