Dozens of homeless people gathered in Paris on Wednesday (May 27) to demand more spaces in shelters and emergency housing amid an unprecedented heatwave that has hit Western Europe.

"It seems like, since the weather's nice, it's pleasant to live outside. No! As many people die on the streets in summer as in winter," said Nathan Lequeux, a coordinator at the Utopia 56 Paris association, which led the demonstration.

Known for its advocacy for migrants and vulnerable people's rights, Utopia 56 organized the gathering to highlight the urgency of the situation to regional administrative authorities in Paris, which are in charge of providing shelter to homeless people.

"Periods like this, with particularly unbearable temperatures, add an extra urgency factor," said Lequeux. "That's why we're here today. We've been in the midst of a heat wave for two days now, in 35 degrees. And so, as you can see here, the government continues recklessly to leave extremely vulnerable people, meaning women and children — there are many pregnant women and young babies—on the streets."

Soigna Goundo, a homeless protester and mother who has lived between the streets and shelters for years, concurred, saying: "It's difficult. It's hot out here. We can't just stay out here like this. We need a place to live for ourselves and our children." 

Another protester, a 34-year-old pregnant woman named Melissa, said she had lost her home eight months ago. She attended the demonstration with her young daughter, Victoria, hoping authorities would hear her message.

"We're French citizens; we have rights, and our children have rights. The government needs to see us and action must be taken," she said.

"Honestly, I wouldn't wish this on anyone — it's awful, it's not easy. Especially at night, when it comes to sleeping, finding a roof (to stay under), or even eating," added Melissa.

Weather agency Meteo-France said that for France as a whole, "Monday was the hottest day recorded for the month of May since measurements began".

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was to hold a meeting Thursday with key ministers to go over government preparations for the heatwave.