L'abri

One winter in an emergency shelter for the homeless in Lausanne. Every night, the same ritual plays out at the door to this unassuming basement: a dramatic dash for the entrance, a ruckus sometimes occasioning violent altercations. The staff has the difficult task of “triage” among the poor: women and children first, then the men. While the shelter’s maximum capacity is a 100, only 50 of the “elect” will be allowed inside and have the right to a hot meal and a bed. The others know that it’s going to be a long night.