Paris, March 10 (RHC)-- The problem of homelessness and poverty in France is getting worse with more individuals deprived of their basic needs. The trouble is particularly hard as in France the number of deprived people with poor housing has risen by 50 percent in the last decade.

The figure includes more than 3.5 million French. There are also nearly 150,000 people spending life on the streets in different French cities. This comes as improvement in social housing was one of the top priorities on President Francois Hollande’s election agenda.

Critics say the current problem is a result of the French government’s failure to do enough to deliver its promises and get people off the streets. In addition to the French, other Europeans are increasingly living in poor housing, and the problem shows no sign of disappearing.

A large number of poor Europeans live without basic facilities like running water and heating. The disturbing problems of poverty and social exclusion are on the rise across the European Union, affecting almost a quarter of the bloc’s population.

According to the latest figures, finding proper housing and escaping the poverty trap is particularly difficult for women, children and those under the age of 25.

Europe is struggling with an economic crisis that erupted in early 2008, leaving millions unemployed and in financial distress. The worsening debt crisis has forced EU governments to adopt harsh austerity measures and tough economic reforms, which have triggered massive protests in many European countries.