Facing life's challenges such as financial difficulties, loss of autonomy, disability, or issues related to housing, studies, and parenting, being informed and supported is crucial. In Épinay-sur-Seine, the Communal Social Action Center (CCAS) serves as a primary point of contact for residents. It provides information, assistance with administrative procedures, processes certain applications, and directs individuals to appropriate services and contacts. Sociocultural centers, municipal services, associations, and institutional partners also play a vital role in making rights and aid more accessible.
The Family Allowance Fund (CAF) supports families through various programs, offering benefits for childcare, back-to-school expenses, holidays, and leisure activities, depending on individual circumstances. For educational success, sociocultural centers provide homework assistance, fostering children's autonomy and self-confidence, while also bridging the gap between families, schools, and educational stakeholders. The Educational Success Program (PRE) offers personalized support to about a hundred young people aged 2 to 16 facing academic difficulties, involving various professionals in addition to school support.
Sociocultural centers are also dedicated spaces for parents and children, offering a range of activities, outings, workshops, and events focused on parenting. Child-Parent Welcome Centers (LAEP) provide a supportive environment for families from an early age, where parents can find a listening ear and share experiences. Parent-child workshops strengthen bonds and enhance parental skills.
Fatiha Kernissi, Deputy Mayor for Social Action, emphasizes the importance of combating the non-utilization of rights. The City informs residents through its website, the Family and Citizen Space, guides, and public meetings. However, she stresses the need to reach out to residents, especially those most in need of help. The CCAS plays a key role in this proactive approach. To address daily challenges, the priority is to ensure no one faces difficulties alone, supported by the CCAS, sociocultural centers, the Social Pole, and geriatric coordination, in collaboration with the Departmental Social Services and associations.
In response to the rising cost of living, the City is adapting its services. The threshold for the 'daily disposable income' for certain aid has been raised from €8 to €10 to better account for inflation. The Active Solidarity Income (RSA) guarantees a minimum level of resources, particularly for those over 25 and young people with their first child, with specific conditions for 18-25 year olds. The Housing Solidarity Fund (FSL) can assist with rent arrears through loans, subsidies, or social support. For high water or energy bills, the Water Fund and the Energy Solidarity Fund (FSE) can provide financial aid.
The 'Le P’tit Marché' social grocery store, located at the Social Pole, helps temporarily reduce food expenses. Emergency food aid in the form of service vouchers can be provided by the CCAS for immediate needs. Associations like Les Restos du Cœur and Secours Catholique also distribute food aid and essential items, offering social support and literacy classes.
For cultural access, the Pass Culture offers young people a credit to discover and book cultural offers. The Maison du Théâtre et de la Danse provides preferential rates. The Pass’Sport helps finance sports registrations for young people and scholarship students. For studies, the Crous supports students, and the City of Épinay-sur-Seine offers a €200 financial aid to non-scholarship students with modest incomes. A €1,000 driving license scholarship is available to 17-25 year olds in exchange for volunteer work.
The Info Jeunes Space offers free, anonymous, and walk-in services for 13-29 year olds, providing information on their projects (career guidance, employment, housing). The CODE Local Mission supports 16-25 year olds in their professional development. In cases of domestic and intra-family violence, a social worker is available at the police station to welcome, listen to, and guide victims. The House of Justice and Law offers legal consultations on women's and family law.
Seniors and individuals with reduced mobility can benefit from the Personalized Autonomy Allowance (APA) from the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis, as well as the Solidarity Allowance for the Elderly (ASPA) and a quarterly senior allowance based on income. Home support services, meal delivery, and teleassistance are also available. The Departmental House for Autonomy and Carers (MDAA) is the reference point for disability-related procedures.
To facilitate travel, the Améthyste pass and the Navigo Senior pass offer reduced fares on public transport. The municipal shuttle provides intra-city transport for seniors over 65. The ALIS project at the Félix Merlin sociocultural center promotes the inclusion of children with disabilities. Public legal advisors assist residents with administrative procedures and relations with institutions. The Departmental Social Service collaborates with the CCAS to support residents in need.
