The essentials
France's homelessness barometer shows 2,355 children lack emergency shelter; 14 under-fours died on streets in 2025.
A homelessness barometer published by Unicef France and solidarity federations has documented the scope of child homelessness across the country. The report reveals at least 2,355 children in France lack access to emergency shelter, highlighting a critical gap in protection systems. The data reflects the most vulnerable populations, including very young children. Tragically, 14 children under four died on the streets of France in 2025, underscoring the life-threatening conditions faced by homeless families. The findings from this collaborative assessment provide the first comprehensive measure of emergency shelter shortages affecting children nationwide.
Other ways to read this story.
Alternative framings generated by SigNews. These are not independent sources or attributed quotations.
Barometer quantifies scale of child homelessness across France
The homelessness barometer provides measurable data on child homelessness, documenting 2,355 children without emergency shelter access. This assessment, produced jointly by Unicef France and solidarity federations, represents the first systematic measurement of shelter gaps affecting children. The figures establish a baseline for understanding the scope and distribution of homelessness among vulnerable youth populations.
Street homelessness poses fatal risks to France's youngest children
Beyond shelter statistics, the barometer records extreme consequences of child homelessness: 14 deaths of children under four in 2025. These fatalities illustrate how inadequate housing protection translates into life-threatening circumstances for the most vulnerable. The data underscores urgent gaps between existing support systems and the actual needs of homeless families with young children.