The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, accompanied by the Councillor for Social Action, Charín González, and a representative from the Red Cross, the service provider, visited the implementation of the “Campaign against the Cold for Homeless People, 2024” yesterday. This initiative is available at the Municipal Reception Centre from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., coinciding with the organisation of other services within the facility. “This programme has been supported by monitors every night, seven days a week, since 20th December and will continue until 7th February 2025,” stated the mayor of the capital.
The councillor highlighted that “due to the number of homeless individuals accessing these services and the capacity limitations, a varying number of persons are unable to secure a temporary place for adequate rest or simply to seek shelter from the cold during the night, remaining without accommodation.” She added that “for this reason, the City Council has been implementing a dedicated initiative for these individuals for several years, integrating them into the other services offered at the Municipal Reception Centre (CMA).”
“Consequently,” González continued, “the Municipal Institute of Social Care (IMAS) is investing around 15,000 euros and plans to provide an additional 20 emergency beds until 7th February 2024.” She emphasised that “those accessing this assistance will also benefit from the hygiene, laundry, dining, and various activities available at the CMA.”
The location of this emergency provision will be the multifunctional room situated on the semi-basement floor of the soup kitchen, operational throughout December, January, and February. To ensure the effective delivery of services and maintain quality care, operational hours will be from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. every day of the week.
Charín González noted that “up until 11th December, there have been 150 requests for accommodation services from 59 different individuals who were unable to secure a place.” She added that “this represents an average of 15 places needed daily which cannot be fulfilled due to the lack of available spaces in current accommodation resources.” She concluded by stating that “therefore, this special service aims to alleviate the pressing need for spaces for overnight accommodation and rest for homeless individuals.”
Mental Health
In line with the commitment to support homeless individuals in the municipality, the mayor mentioned that he is awaiting another meeting with the General Directorate of Public Health and Addictions to progress in identifying solutions for those experiencing mental health issues. “In our last meeting, we aimed to evaluate potential solutions for individuals who, despite our resources, find themselves in circumstances beyond our control,” he explained.
Bermúdez also mentioned that the City Council has liaised with the Prosecutor’s Office to seek assistance for these individuals, even if they are unable to accept help themselves. Furthermore, he stated, “We have invited both the Cabildo and the Department of Social Welfare of the Canary Islands to participate in upcoming meetings, with the aim of collaboratively seeking a solution, as we recognise this is an issue that extends beyond municipal boundaries.”
