Serve the City Launches Women-Only Soup Kitchen in Paris: Addressing the Hidden Struggles of Homeless Women 

Paris is a city known for its beauty, culture, and vibrant life, but hidden within its streets is a rising crisis. An alarming 38% of the homeless population in Paris are women, who face a unique set of challenges due to their precarious living conditions. To address this growing issue, Serve the City (STC), in partnership with Knackpunkt27, has launched a women-only soup kitchen initiative, aiming to provide both immediate aid and long-term awareness of their plight. 

A Safe Haven for Vulnerable Women

Life on the streets is especially dangerous for women, who not only endure the struggles of homelessness but also live under constant threats of violence and insecurity. In public spaces, including food distribution centres, women are at risk of assault, making even simple acts like waiting in line for a meal dangerous. One homeless woman from Lyon recounted, “Even in the queue for a meal, there are wandering hands. I used to prefer not to eat.” To combat these dangers, STC’s soup kitchen provides a safe, women-only environment where meals can be distributed without fear or discomfort. This initiative is not only about food, it’s about creating a space where women can feel secure and dignified. 

Why This Initiative is Urgently Needed

The challenges homeless women face extend far beyond physical violence. Many lack access to basic hygiene products and services, with some resorting to using newspapers or discarded clothing to manage their menstrual hygiene. For pregnant women, the risks are even greater. Fear of losing their children often drives them to avoid seeking essential gynaecological care. Tragically, more than 150 babies are born on the streets of France each year. Despite these stark realities, homeless women remain difficult to reach. Often out of fear and shame, they hide in places that keep them out of sight—such as basements, parking lots, or even nightclubs. This invisibility makes it challenging for organizations to offer aid. In STC’s current food distribution efforts, men make up 95% of the beneficiaries, as many women avoid these mixed-gender spaces to escape attention and danger.

Upcoming Events:

Serve the City is taking steps to change this narrative. In addition to the women-only soup kitchen, the organization is hosting several events in the coming months to raise funds and foster a sense of community. These include:

 Soup kitchen every other Saturday (dates & locations on STC Paris Instagram)

 Movie night

 Fundraising event

 Workshop on cross-cultural teamwork

 Online session with Knackpunkt27, STC’s German partner

How You Can Help ?

You can help STC’s soup kitchen project thrive, whether by helping to prepare and distribute meals, or by donating and sharing this mission with your friends and family. The French-German Citizen Fund has already extended support for this project, but STC still needs to raise an additional €5,000 to continue their efforts.

To donate, visit our GoFundMe Page Here>>>>>

For updates on events and how you can get involved follow STC Paris on Instagram (@stcparis)

For more information, please contact: Anja Ahn at anja.ahn@servethecity.paris