Tenerife: Over 2,800 People in Extreme Residential Exclusion

A recent report by the Cabildo and Cáritas Diocesana reveals a slight increase in the number of homeless individuals on the island, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

Generic image of a person in a situation of residential exclusion in an urban environment.
IA

Generic image of a person in a situation of residential exclusion in an urban environment.

A joint study by the Cabildo de Tenerife and Cáritas Diocesana has revealed that 2,853 people are in a situation of extreme residential exclusion on the island, a figure that includes those living on the streets or in substandard housing.

This number represents a slight increase compared to the previous report, which recorded 2,838 people in the same situation. The document delves into various aspects, such as the geographical distribution of cases, social and gender profiles, and conditions of insecure or inadequate housing.
The analysis also underscores the impact of factors such as economic precariousness, mental health issues, addictions, and the lack of support networks in the development of extreme residential exclusion.

"It is essential to continue focusing on a reality that is becoming increasingly complex and entrenched."

a spokesperson for Cáritas Diocesana de Tenerife
It was emphasized that multiple elements converge behind these situations, such as the breakdown of family ties, unemployment, difficulties in accessing decent housing, addictions, and mental health disorders. Furthermore, the high emotional and psychological vulnerability of many affected individuals, often without adequate support, and the growing influence of anxiety, depression, and deteriorating mental health in homelessness processes were highlighted.
Therefore, the need to address this problem also from a public health perspective was stressed. From the Cabildo de Tenerife, the importance of moving towards a more coordinated and structured island-wide response among administrations, social entities, and professionals to confront this persistent reality was highlighted.
The institution, through the IASS, has promoted a common strategy against homelessness by developing the Strategic Framework for Social and Community Inclusion of People in Homeless Situations in Tenerife. Although direct assistance primarily falls to the municipalities, the Cabildo assumes a coordinating role and connects resources to build a unified response at the island level.