“Living on the Streets is our Only Option, Nowhere Else to Turn”

At approximately eight o’clock in the morning, ninety families, totaling 210 individuals, were gearing up for eviction from the partially constructed building known as Chasna 8, located in Costa del Silencio (Arona). Security forces’ vehicles rushed through the streets, signalling the imminent procedure. Around fifty Civil Guard agents stood guard at the building, gradually making their way through its halls, knocking on each door to evacuate the premises.

The majority of residents had already anticipated the situation and vacated their homes early, carrying their belongings along to settle in nearby areas. However, some chose to wait until the last minute, only to find themselves locked out as the police sealed off the building’s access.

The eviction was mandated by the Court of First Instance No. 3 of Arona due to the structure’s precarious state, posing a risk of potential collapse. Ruth Martín, the Councilor for Social Services of Aronero City Council, reiterated the structural concerns to the press just days prior. Despite Mayor Fátima Lemes’ plea for a brief extension on Monday to facilitate the residents’ relocation, the request was not granted, and the proceedings moved forward.

In response to the denied extension, Lemes mentioned that immediate support was provided to the impacted families. “Ruth Martín and the social services team were on-site early this morning (from yesterday’s perspective), offering assistance. Red Cross staff and psychologists were present to assess each case individually. “We are exploring flexible options for social emergency aid and have reached out to the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Government of the Canary Islands for assistance in finding swift solutions.”

Emphasising the priority of children for the City Council, Lemes stressed, “Our primary concern is the well-being of the children. We are striving to secure alternatives to prevent them from ending up on the streets. In cases where parents are unwilling to be separated from their children, we are working on temporary accommodations for both the minor and the parent.”

Additionally, she underscored the prevalent housing crisis on the island, stating, “We are faced with over 200 individuals without immediate housing solutions. Among them are working individuals lacking the necessary means, alongside others in irregular situations who have come voluntarily. The eviction is a result of structural deficiencies, calling for the imminent demolition of the building.”

Impacted Individuals

Tensions ran high at the scene, with some residents resorting to desperate pleas towards the agents, while others remained resigned with their belongings. Joaquín, a young resident of Adeje, shared his experience of living in the now-evacuated building with his wife and young daughter. “At seven in the morning, security agents swarmed the area and swiftly set up operations. We managed to retrieve our belongings just in time,” he recounted.

The Tenerife native, employed as a kitchen assistant in a southern hotel, disclosed the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to their eviction from a rented house in Adeje due to the landlord’s pressure. “With utilities cut off, we had no choice but to leave. After learning that this building was abandoned, my homeless mother suggested we move in here,” he lamented. Joaquín expressed his financial constraints in securing a rental property amidst exorbitant prices and stringent conditions: “Accessible housing remains out of reach for us.”

Fortunately, Joaquín’s family will find refuge with a relative, sparing them a night on the streets. “Although accommodation hasn’t been offered to us, a relative has graciously opened their home to us. It will be a tight squeeze with six of us, but at least we have a roof over our heads,” he expressed with relief.

Conversely, Daniela’s situation presented a bleaker outlook. The 22-year-old Colombian woman resided in the building with her husband, a 40-day-old infant, and their pet dog. “We are hopeful for a lifeline, as we are left with no alternative,” she shared. “For the past year, we gradually made this house our home, but with no employment and limited resources, paying rent is beyond our means.” Daniela expressed dismay over the absence of concrete support, stating, “We were banking on a solution, only to be informed that no alternatives are available.”

Among the displaced residents are Nora Elena and her husband, both originally from Colombia. “We have called this building home for nine months, refurbishing it from scratch to make it habitable,” she narrated. Nora’s husband, employed in construction, struggles to afford rent amidst the housing crisis and inflated costs. “Without any available options for accommodation, our only recourse is to live on the streets. Therefore, we’ll be stationed outside the building with our belongings, removed earlier this morning in anticipation of the eviction. We aren’t seeking charity, just viable alternatives,” she concluded.

Eloy, another affected resident and spokesperson for the community, shed light on the promised aid. “Initial discussions hinted at financial assistance of €2,000 to €3,000 to aid in securing housing alternatives. However, the current stance halts the disbursement under the pretext of unavailability of rentals,” he disclosed.

Forced to vacate with only the clothes on his back, Eloy narrated, “No one was permitted to retrieve personal belongings, nor were neighbours allowed to assist. We were ushered out ahead of schedule. I left with a heavy heart, leaving everything behind.”

Further complicating his situation, Eloy bemoaned the inability to retrieve his van, intended as his makeshift abode. “While instructed to evacuate promptly, our occupational obligations were disregarded. Our legal representative is negotiating with the building owner to reclaim our possessions. I am now bereft of my van, parked inside the premises. In a best-case scenario, I will reside in the van once it’s accessible,” he shared.

The prevailing sentiment among the evicted residents revolved around the exorbitant costs associated with the eviction process, deemed more suitable for proactive solutions. “Funds have been allocated for a large-scale police operation, neglecting our urgent housing needs. It’s a gross oversight,” they collectively criticised.

Residents also questioned the selective eviction of their building over a neighbouring property, potentially facing similar hazards. “We were targeted for evacuation while the adjacent property, sharing the same risks, remained untouched. The distinction lies in our occupation of an abandoned structure, whereas the other building houses property owners,” they highlighted.

Civil Guard officers and a psychologist are carrying out the eviction of one of the affected individuals. | FRAN PALLERO

A person with a terminal illness. | FRAN PALLERO

A heap of belongings seen yesterday morning near the building. | FRAN PALLERO

An evicted person with their belongings. | FRAN PALLERO

FRAN PALLERO

FRAN PALLERO