Unidas Podemos Proposes Comprehensive Measures to Address Homelessness in La Laguna

In a decisive move to tackle the escalating issue of homelessness in La Laguna, Rubens Ascanio, a councillor and co-spokesperson for Unidas Podemos, is set to present a motion aimed at enhancing strategies and coordination among local authorities. This initiative comes in response to a growing crisis that has seen the number of homeless individuals in the region reach alarming levels.

Rising Numbers of Homeless Individuals

The recently released V Report on Extreme Residential Exclusion in Tenerife, compiled by Cáritas Tenerife in partnership with the Cabildo and the Social and Sociosanitary Care Institute (IASS), reveals that a staggering 2,838 individuals are currently experiencing homelessness. This figure represents the highest rate recorded in the past five years, with La Laguna emerging as one of the municipalities most severely impacted. Cáritas has attributed this troubling trend to a combination of factors, including the proliferation of holiday rentals, soaring housing costs, and a significant shortage of social housing options.

Ascanio has voiced his concerns regarding the inadequate responses to these pressing housing challenges. He argues that the decline in local initiatives has hindered effective support for those affected by homelessness. Between 2019 and 2023, La Laguna made notable strides in addressing this issue, increasing emergency accommodation resources by an impressive 257% and enhancing training and coordination efforts. However, Ascanio expresses his worry that the current administration appears to be focused solely on maintaining existing services rather than innovating or expanding them.

Impact of Homelessness on Vulnerable Populations

The harsh realities faced by individuals living on the streets have dire consequences for their health and overall life expectancy. Ascanio underscores the urgent need to advance successful programs such as Housing First, which have demonstrated effectiveness in combating homelessness. He believes that there is potential to broaden the scope of these resources and improve emergency support systems, which are critical for those in dire need. Recent reports indicate a worrying trend of less common profiles among the homeless population, including an increasing number of women and young people. This shift suggests that homelessness is becoming more widespread and chronic, particularly when mental health challenges are involved.

Government’s Current Approach Under Scrutiny

Ascanio has raised significant concerns regarding the current strategy employed by the PSOE-CC government. He points out that the administration has failed to adopt any measures from the Housing Law, nor has it declared tension zones or increased property taxes (IBI) on vacant homes owned by large landlords. He recalls that during the previous mandate, substantial progress was made in collaboration with Muvisa and Visocan, leading to the recovery of 112 homes for vulnerable families, including those who had faced eviction. Additionally, 25 flats were acquired in two developments, with plans to deliver them this year after rehabilitation. A project for 16 modular homes was also prepared for execution. However, Ascanio notes that the current administration has neglected new initiatives aimed at purchasing and rehabilitating properties, as evidenced by the new PAIF of Muvisa.

Strategic Initiatives Proposed by Unidas Podemos

The motion put forth by Unidas Podemos calls for the Insular Cabildo of Tenerife to continue developing a comprehensive strategy to combat homelessness across the island. This includes advocating for increased emergency care resources to expand available accommodations in both the northern and southern regions of Tenerife. Furthermore, they propose the establishment of a municipal Housing First program to evaluate the dynamics affecting the local homeless population. Ascanio emphasizes the critical need to revitalize housing-related services in La Laguna, which includes updating the municipal portfolio, recovering vacant developments, and enabling Muvisa to take a more proactive role in addressing these pressing challenges.

Key points

• Unidas Podemos aims to enhance coordination and strategies to address homelessness in La Laguna.
• 2,838 individuals are currently homeless in Tenerife, the highest number in five years.
• The rise in homelessness is linked to increased holiday rentals, rising prices, and a shortage of social housing.
• Emergency accommodation resources in La Laguna increased by 257% from 2019 to 2023.
• The current government has not implemented measures from the Housing Law or increased taxes on vacant properties.
• Unidas Podemos proposes a municipal Housing First program to assess local homelessness dynamics.
• Ascanio emphasizes the need for improved housing-related services and active involvement from Muvisa.