Following financial difficulties, the association “Au Fil de l'Eau”, which ran La Barque, was dissolved at the beginning of 2017. This drop-in centre for people in difficulty had been founded 20 years earlier by Father Plaisantin, a Dominican.
Barque To The Future is a new association, founded on 20 February 2017, born of a refusal to see people pushed to the margins of society. It is also determined to keep a day centre open in the city centre of Tours. The new board of trustees includes former employees, members of partner associations, volunteers from many backgrounds and a representative of the people who come to the centre.
Its aim is to take part in the fight against every form of exclusion. Its values are unconditional and anonymous welcome, solidarity and social diversity.
The centre is open from Wednesday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays, 9 am to 6 pm. Located at 12 rue des Tanneurs, it is an alcohol-free café with reduced prices, a library, a computer free to use, a “community fridge” and an office for one-to-one meetings.
One employee runs the centre together with volunteers. Anyone wishing to offer their skills and energy to the association and the people it welcomes can get in touch with Romaric (contact details below). Sports and cultural activities, outings and games are offered throughout the year.