Monde en Marge Monde en Marche

Monde en Marge Monde en Marche (often abbreviated METM) is a French non-profit association founded in 2003 in Longpont-sur-Orge, in the Essonne department south of Paris. Its name, which translates roughly as "World on the Margins, World on the Move," reflects its mission: to move people from the margins of society back into the mainstream by guaranteeing access to decent housing and accompanying social support. The organization was created by five engaged citizens who refused to ignore the distress of families living without dignified housing. Among them, Roland Franquemagne became the driving force and moral compass of the project, contributing his energy, rigor, and humanist vision. The association operates on two main pillars. First, it acquires and makes available temporary housing at very low rent, including "springboard" apartments for families in difficulty, family pensions (pensions de famille) for isolated individuals, and secure accommodation for women who are victims of violence. Second, it provides dual human support—professional and volunteer—because, as the organization states, "a roof is not enough." This combination of housing and personalized accompaniment is presented as its distinctive strength. Since its founding, METM has rehoused more than 300 families on a long-term basis. Each year, roughly one third of the families it welcomes achieve sustainable rehousing. By 2026, its housing stock is expected to approach 200 units, including several family pensions that serve as living, care, and reconstruction spaces. The association is now active throughout the Essonne department. METM relies on a collective force of volunteers, employees, and partners. It regularly organizes events such as hikes, national family pension weeks, and general assemblies. The organization also welcomes donations to support its mission. In November 2023, co-founder Roland Franquemagne passed away; the association continues his work, describing him as its reference point and compass. The official website is metmmetm.fr.

Monde en Marge Monde en Marche was founded in 2003 in Longpont-sur-Orge, in the Essonne department of France. Five engaged citizens, moved by the distress of families living without dignified housing, decided to act rather than look away. Among them, Roland Franquemagne became the backbone of the project, infusing it with his energy, rigor, and humanist and unifying vision. The founding conviction was simple: housing is a fundamental right. The association began by purchasing a first home, then another, gradually weaving a chain of solidarity that brought together employees, volunteers, partners, and beneficiary families around a shared goal: rebuilding life paths through housing and support. Over the years, METM developed a model based on two pillars: the provision of temporary housing at very low rent, and dual human support—both professional and volunteer. This rare alliance is described as the organization's strength. Since 2003, more than 300 families have been sustainably rehoused. The association has expanded across the entire Essonne department. By 2026, its housing stock is expected to include nearly 200 units, among them several family pensions (pensions de famille), which serve as places of life, care, and reconstruction. Each year, about one third of the families welcomed achieve sustainable rehousing. In November 2023, Roland Franquemagne passed away. The association describes him as its reference point and compass, and his commitment continues to animate every action, every key handed over, and every smile regained. METM continues its collective march, faithful to the founding impulse: to set back in motion lives that have been marginalized, and to build a more just and supportive society.

• 2026

  Housing stock expected to reach nearly 200 units, including several family pensions.

• 2026

  General Assembly scheduled for 2 June 2026.

• 2023

  Co-founder Roland Franquemagne passes away in November.

• 2003

  Association founded in Longpont-sur-Orge by five engaged citizens, including Roland Franquemagne.

• 2003

  First housing unit purchased, followed by others, initiating the solidarity chain.

A grassroots, solidarity-based housing association that combines very low-rent temporary housing with comprehensive social support to help marginalized people rebuild their lives.

1. 1Monde en Marge Monde en Marche – Un toit pour tous est un droitmetmmetm.fr
2. 2Notre histoire – Monde en Marge Monde en Marchemetmmetm.fr
3. 3Wikidata Q139492762wikidata.org