Being among the 210 individuals lacking resources, members of over 90 families, who were evicted on Tuesday in Arona, the first day outside the building known as Chasna 8 in La Costa del Silencio was a challenging one. This half-built structure, deemed at risk of collapse by municipal reports, has been home to children, pregnant women, the elderly, the unwell, Ukrainian refugees, and citizens of various nationalities for about 8 years.
The cold of the night severely affected nearly 50 vulnerable people who had no option but to endure, with some forced to stay outdoors, away from what was their residence until the previous Tuesday. Others fortunate enough, like Eloy who acted as the neighbors’ spokesperson, were able to spend the night in a van or tent that were provided. Eloy, lucky to have a friend offer shelter, recalls, “The first night was tough. By seven in the morning, the scene was akin to something from Dante’s Inferno. Faces contorted in pain, numbed by the cold… we had to call for an ambulance, which took over half an hour to arrive, due to severe rheumatism pain in one individual.” He mentioned that nearly fifty people, including children, spent the night there. “Social Services attended to families with infants, but it has been confirmed that at least one minor slept outdoors.”
Eloy appealed for urgent assistance, expressing the need for a support system for the 50 individuals who were now homeless, such as an ambulance, police, or firefighters in case of emergencies. He criticised the lack of information regarding the aid of up to 3,000 Euros allocated for vulnerable individuals. “They keep informing us that there are no available accommodations, but have they considered that we could utilise that money for alternative housing options?”
DIARIO DE AVISOS reached out to Ruth Martín, the councillor of Social Services in Arona, who stated that she and her team visited the unoccupied property on Wednesday morning to finalize aid. “We conducted a census of the individuals in the vicinity and discovered new cases that had been concealed from us the previous day. For instance, we found a pregnant woman, to whom we proposed alternative housing that she initially declined as she intended to stay with friends. However, upon further conversations, she accepted the assistance.”
Regarding families with minors, Martín offered various housing alternatives to those with children, although not all accepted. Some families hid minors due to fears of separation by Social Services, which Martín clarified was not the case. Assistance was also provided to sick and dependent individuals.
In light of information about a minor found near the property, Martín mentioned, “It was reported that a child had stayed, as per accounts from neighbours claiming the child slept in a van, a situation of which we were unaware as they hid the truth out of fear.” Martín confirmed that support for the family with a 40-day-old baby was arranged. “They might potentially stay in Santa Cruz, to where they were referred on Tuesday.”
Concerning emergency assistance, Martín mentioned, “Several affected individuals approached Social Services seeking emergency aid, and we have relaxed the requirements. The general regulation stipulates that up to 3,000 Euros in aid for rental housing should be provided within the municipality, but given the emergency situation, this can be extended to other areas. This includes individuals in irregular situations or those who have not been registered in the municipality for more than six months.”
Martín emphasised that “the City Council collaborated with the Red Cross to deliver essential food supplies until alternative arrangements are made.”
