Caritas Diocesana expressed regret on Wednesday over the chronic state of severe residential exclusion in Tenerife, particularly exacerbated post-pandemic, witnessing a 2.1% surge in homelessness in 2023, affecting 2,309 individuals grappling with this issue compared to 2,261 in 2022.
During a press briefing held at the Tenerife Town Hall to unveil the report, Juan Rognoni, the director of Cáritas Tenerife, linked this persistent issue to challenges in securing housing.
According to Rognoni, access to housing is a fundamental human right that is increasingly violated, posing a global and national challenge that impacts not only those in extreme residential exclusion but also individuals in standard situations facing mounting difficulties in securing housing.
Rognoni highlighted the “years of neglect in social and housing policies, an issue necessitating a gradual search for solutions.”
Municipality-wise, Santa Cruz de Tenerife tops the list with the highest number of individuals experiencing extreme residential exclusion, comprising 836 individuals, accounting for 36.2% of the total.
Following closely is Arona, with 293 individuals (12.7%); San Cristóbal de La Laguna, 277 individuals (12%); Adeje, with 185 individuals (8%); Puerto de la Cruz, 184 individuals (8%); and Granadilla de Abona, totaling 120 individuals (5.2%).
In terms of types, 1,151 individuals reside outdoors in public spaces, accounting for 49.9%, while 355 individuals seek shelter and spend considerable time in public areas, making up 15.4%.
The third most common homeless type is individuals living in insecure tenancy arrangements without rent payment, totaling up to 170 individuals, representing 7.4%.
Regarding demographics, 71.3% are male and 27.6% are female, showcasing a slight increase of over two percentage points.
Hence, nearly four out of ten individuals have been grappling with this issue for a span of 13 to 36 months.
The most prevalent profile comprises middle-aged Spanish men. 39.4% are of foreign origin, with only 11% facing irregular situations.
Furthermore, 35.1% of individuals suffer from chronic illnesses, primarily linked to mental health, whereas 28.3% have addiction issues.
“This underscores the importance of addressing stigmatization, indicating that 71% of the population does not battle addiction problems,” remarked José Antonio Díez, the study head and coordinator of the Street Care Units (UMAC) initiative.
Regarding access to healthcare challenges for the homeless, Díez highlighted enhancements made by the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), particularly in mental health, and urged municipal authorities to include SCS professionals for oversight, citing it as a positive development.
“However, it is undeniable that there continues to be a need for a health outlook on the streets, alongside a social perspective, and the necessity for more specific resources for various mental health conditions. The current focus of the healthcare system is heavily centred on conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, while other conditions such as borderline personality disorder are vastly overlooked, necessitating more assistance and individualised care,” Díez remarked.
Yolanda Baumgartner, the director of Social Action at the Cabildo de Tenerife, revealed that despite the initial goal of having the island’s strategy for the homeless completed in the first quarter of the year, the compilation of the document has faced delays and is now anticipated to be unveiled in September.
The delay, he explained, was a result of the necessary involvement of organisations, local authorities, and the homeless individuals themselves to ascertain their requirements. “The document is currently undergoing review, with contributions needed from the stakeholders to determine if it aligns with the initial objectives. The plan is to launch it in September,” he emphasised.
Baumgartner concluded by highlighting that, for the Social Action sector, the report serves as a “valuable resource” aiding in the promotion, formulation, and addressing of the root causes of homelessness.
