Across France, a growing number of companies are using their empty offices to offer overnight refuge for people without a stable home. What began as a local effort in Nantes has become a national campaign providing thousands of nights of shelter each year and igniting hope for wider European adoption.
- Empty offices become safe overnight shelters after hours
- Strict participant criteria ensure safety and focus on reintegration
- Over 1,000 individuals helped since 2019 across multiple cities
What happened
Pierre-Yves Loaëc, the head of a marketing agency in Nantes, was moved by the sight of a woman sleeping outside in harsh winter conditions near his office. He realized that when employees left for the day, many workplaces around France stood empty—offering a possible solution to homelessness. This insight led to the founding of Bureaux du Coeur, a nonprofit that converts unused office space into temporary safe sleeping places for homeless adults.
Since its start in 2019, the initiative has partnered with some 400 companies in 40 cities, including locations beyond France such as Lisbon, Barcelona, and Brussels. It has provided around 160,000 nights of shelter and helped more than 1,000 individuals. Companies offer meeting rooms, break areas, or other unused spaces overnight, while social partners screen participants and provide support services.
Why it feels good
This initiative exemplifies how community-focused innovation can address urgent social challenges by leveraging existing resources. Instead of letting offices remain empty, they become welcoming environments that offer warmth, safety, and dignity to people facing homelessness. For the 'guests,' having a secure place to sleep indoors reduces risks associated with rough sleeping, like exposure to cold or illness.
Moreover, the program emphasizes collaboration between businesses and social organizations, ensuring professional care and paths to reintegration. Acceptance criteria prioritize safety and readiness for support, helping guests connect with vocational training or employment opportunities. This thoughtful approach balances compassion with practical outcomes, reinforcing a hopeful future for participants.
What to enjoy or watch next
Following the success in France and initial expansion to other European cities, keep an eye on Bureaux du Coeur’s growth across the continent. The model could inspire more workplaces internationally to unlock their empty spaces for social good, particularly as remote work leaves many offices underused.
Additionally, stories from guests who have transitioned from temporary shelter to stable housing or jobs are uplifting examples of resilience and community impact. These tales highlight the power of simple yet innovative acts in creating meaningful change, encouraging more organizations to consider similar programs in their own regions.