Extract

I presented it to you in the first chapter of this book. Sabrina changed my life. That’s how.

When she decided to launch a marauding in January 2018, Sabrina had only one ambition: to reach out to the poorest. For the rest, it’s total improvisation. A little message on Wanted: “Hi my name is Sabrina. I’m going to hand out meals to the homeless people who are sleeping near Austerlitz station on Friday night. Does anyone want to come with me? His approach is widely commented on by the Wantedians. On the first evening, she was joined by five people, including her husband.

This new solidarity approach on Wanted awakens in us a tremendous enthusiasm. But first, you have to keep a cool head, stay professional, respect the procedure. Sabrina makes appeals for donations to make her packed lunches. We ask our moderators to check that this is not a scam. The second step is to remove the few unpleasant comments and contribute to the proliferation of messages of support. In short, as usual, we secure and encourage. Our team of volunteer modos does a great job.

Sabrina and I are starting to talk about Messenger. My first question is about his motivation. “I want to do this every week!” she tells me. I propose to him my help in writing the ads in a way that generates even more community support. “You would have to post pictures of yourself, your preparation and bags of food. It’s always better to put pictures.” The following week, the group grew with the arrival of new marauders. And in barely a month Sabrina manages to unite a hard core of fifteen people. Solidarity is organized. Only I discover that the food distributed is bought by the marauders themselves. These people spend not only their Friday nights on the distribution of meals, but also their money. Most people who join the project offer their presence, their arms and their wallets. But we have to help them, or it won’t last.

– Hello Sabrina. You know the community is big, you can get a lot of things. We should send us a list of everything you need. We probably won’t be able to do everything. But we’re going to help you anyway. 😉

In March, our cooperation paid off. The marauders have gained an excellent reputation on Wanted, Sabrina is crumbling under the gifts. Each of his publications generates ever-increasing waves of commentary. She also receives a lot of private messages and I check her news regularly to prevent her from feeling overwhelmed.

At the beginning of April, we have been trading for more than three months now. It’s time for a smile in real life. I ask Sabrina if she could possibly welcome me to participate in a marauding. “Of course! She tells me. I’d love to. Do you want to advertise it on Wanted? I guess a lot of members are going to want to meet you.

– The goal is for marauding to be constructive for the homeless, not for people to come and meet me. I’m the one who’s here to thank you for what you’re doing. 😉

Friday, April 6, 2018. I meet Sabrina at her house in the 13thTh Arrondissement. I’m welcomed by her thirteen-year-old daughter. About 15 volunteers prepare sandwiches in the living room. All eyes turn to me, people smile but no one lets go of his work tool, his fork, his knife or his piece of bread. I’m introducing myself, I want to be discreet. But it is already time. We go down to prepare the bags on a large table installed in the courtyard of the building. Each bag must have a packet of crisps, orange juice, clementines, a tray of taboo and a packet of cookies. There are also thermos, tea or coffee. Hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpastes, deodorants. I approach a small group of people who seem to have known each other forever. Nassira, Ahmed, Bernard, Aïssatou… People from all walks of life, from all social classes. In the center of the raout, dancing, radiant, little piece of woman of one meter fifty-five, Sabrina directs the operations like a conductor. “Half the bags in Bernard’s trunk. The other half in my car. I’ll take the clothes, too. Nassira, you take the thermos. Be careful not to knock them down. »

I’m in a car with Bernard. Fifteen-minute journey one-on-one. We don’t know each other, but the current is passing. This is the advantage of sharing common values before they even meet. I’m initiating the conversation.

– So you often make marauders?

– Yes I try to be there every Friday. How about you?

– This is the first time.

– The first time it’s difficult. But don’t worry, the new ones never leave them alone. What we have to understand is that we are not here just to give a bag of food. I’ll stay with you to make it easier to get in touch.

I’m nervous. That way without warning. I’m nervous.