The Documentary Podcast Re-homing France’s immigrant workers
The Last Foyers of France Are a Vanishing World of Immigrant Community
The old foyers in France, once vibrant housing for immigrant workers post-World War II, are being demolished and replaced with modern social housing. Residents like Baadémou Koulibaly fear losing their small, affordable rooms and the tight-knit community that these foyers foster. They worry about the breakup of their cultural life, informal economic activities, and spaces like communal kitchens and prayer rooms.
Many residents live on low pensions and cannot afford the new housing prices or the loss of community spaces. New buildings prioritize “social mix,” bringing in different tenants and reducing the cultural cohesion they currently have. There's also a struggle over control and autonomy, symbolized by restrictions like limited keys and inventory checks.
This transition marks the end of a unique diaspora ecosystem, as older generations who've spent decades here face displacement and erasure of their histories.
"We will fight for our heritage, our culture and the mark that we've made until the end," says resident Djibril Silla, highlighting the profound loss residents fear beyond just housing.
Longtime Resident's Housing Fear
- Baadémou Koulibaly, aged 71 from Mali, has lived in a foyer for over 50 years.
- He fears losing his home due to demolition and social housing replacement plans.
Foyers Foster Immigrant Communities
- About 700 foyers were built post-WWII to house immigrant workers, now under 100 remain.
- These foyers foster community and culture important to residents, which social housing may break up.