French President Francois Hollande led in the reopening of the Salvation Army's refurbished City of Refuge in Paris on Monday after three years of renovation.
The City of Refuge was first inaugurated in 1933 in the presence of then President Albert Lebrun and was one of two buildings designed by famous architect Le Corbusier, known as the father of modern architecture, according to the Salvation Army.
Projects designed to house poor people would become an important part of Corbusier's life and work.
The City of Refuge was meant for the urban poor. According to the Paris Update website, it was not the building's first restoration and some changes were left in place.
During the renovation, many features of the original building were discovered when walls were knocked down that revealed details such as small terrace with a light-coloured wall positioned to reflect light.
"Some changes were necessitated by evolving laws and standards. While the residents once slept in dormitories, they are now housed in rooms or studios, and the buildings (an extension, the Centre Espoir, built in 1978, has also been renovated) are now accessible to the disabled," the report said.
And since the Salvation Army's mission is not only to provide bed and nourishment to those in need but help them integrate into society, the City of Refuge has its own kitchen, dining room, rooftop terrace/garden, classrooms, workshops, laundry, library and gym.
The choice of Corbusier was reportedly because of Princesse de Polignac, née Winnaretta Singer, who shouldered one-third of the cost of the building and who selected the architect.
Today, the renovated centre can accommodate up to 143 people including families. Residents are assisted in finding long-term housing and are also offered training, employment and education.
President Hollande opened the building followed by a speech by Colonel Daniel Naud, Territorial Commander of the France and Belgium Territory), who concluded with quotes from the famous "I'll Fight!" speech by The Salvation Army's founder, General William Booth, more than 100 years ago.
Hollande echoed Booth's call to social action as he spoke about the "necessity to fight" for a united nation that works with organisations such as the Salvation Army to "protect human dignity."
