LE 118

This is a place of incredible wealth. Everything here bears the imprint of the history of the municipality of Hellemmes. A place of remembrance and centre for cultural action, the 118 was created at the initiative of Hellemmois who wanted not to see lost this unusual place. But let us go back a bit. At the beginning of the th century, Jean Bart's street lives and vibrates at the pace of the many mills that elected it. On the 118 th of the street there is a popular café where the workers can be exchanged and especially décompresser after long and hard days of work. Among them, a man comes out of the lot. It is Jacques Scrépel, a worker and… Dominican priest. The latter wants to make 118 a real gathering place. He is then joined by other priests and together they will create a place that will transform the life of the neighborhood. Union actions, cultural events, aid to the workers… priests advocate social justice for all and bear high values of sharing and solidarity. From 1954 to 1964, the Pope forbade priests to work in factories… regardless of… their local mission is too important and they do not abandon the inhabitants. As Jacques Scrépel wanted, 118 is a well-known gathering place for all workers. In 2014, the last Dominican priest was extinguished and 118 could disappear. But it was not counting on the fierce determination of the collective «friends of 118» who allowed and still allowed to keep the spirit of the place alive. First by organizing visits and continuing to tell the incredible story of Dominican priests. The archives are numerous and are precious witnesses from a key era of the commune. Then by continuing to be a centre dedicated to solidarity. " Friends of 118 "conduct solidarity actions such as" Lend me your pen ", which helps people in difficulty to write administrative letters or any kind of letters. But the association also assists in preparing for interviews or for training at the computer bases. Finally, 118 welcomes other associations that keep it there. The spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance of 118 is not ready to stop!