Raphaël Auternaud, 2016 graduate, created an association to help homeless people in Montpellier
International dimension and empathy are the heart of this project
Raphaël Auternaud, a 2016 graduate of the Grande Ecole program specialized in International Business, has built his career around international and human contact. “After graduating, I had the opportunity to grow as a product manager.” explains Raphaël. “A year later, I felt too far from reality and everyday life. So I decided to take a year to travel and make my own opinion of the world around me. “
After a year traveling alone to discover South America and Kenya, Raphaël Auternaud decided to return to France and experienced a bitter observation: “I noticed an increase in inequalities, whether on another continent or just every morning, when you walk through your doorstep. “
Naturally empathetic, Raphaël decided to take action to fight against these inequalities. “When I came back to France, I decided to help the homeless people in Montpellier, who are still unfortunately too numerous.”
An association based on mutual help and analysis of current needs
“The approach is different from the classic help centers that are already doing a great job. We assume that everyone can make a difference. We focus on the current needs of the homeless in Montpellier, after having been able to talk to them. » specifies Raphaël.
“The trigger came from a discussion with a homeless man in Montpellier,” he continues. “This young man just wanted new socks, an insulated bottle and a shaving kit. These are objects that we very often have duplicates with us. The idea is therefore to gather a team of volunteers together, to survey the streets of Montpellier and to discuss with each of them to identify their needs of the moment, collect the necessary products, and then redistribute them to the main concerned people.”
Finally, if the focus is on the needs of the homeless at one time, the team of the association will support each person in their efforts according to their needs. “Accessing accommodation, finding a job, welcoming a child… this customization of the associative service is necessary to help each profile. “Concludes Raphael.
Solidarity contacts and projects
Thanks to the strength of social networks, Raphaël Auternaud federates a community on the Facebook page: Entraide SDF – Montpellier. If you are tempted by the volunteer experience or if you want to find out more about the project, click here.
