Santa Cruz de Tenerife Seeks Ombudsman Mediation for Homeless Support Services

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has formally requested the intervention of the Diputación del Común to address the increasing demand for assistance among homeless individuals. This initiative comes in light of the growing challenges faced by local services that are struggling to meet the needs of this vulnerable population.

Municipal Services Under Strain

In a recent meeting, Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez and Councillor for Social Policies Charín González discussed the pressing challenges faced by local services dedicated to supporting the homeless. They met with Lola Padrón, the Deputy of the Common, along with First Deputy Antonio Alarcó and Secretary Lázaro Brito. The mayor reported that the Comprehensive Service for Homeless Individuals (SIAPSH) provided aid to 732 individuals from January to August 2025, with a significant 55% of these individuals coming from outside the municipality. This influx has placed additional pressure on the already strained resources of the city.

Bermúdez emphasized the substantial financial commitment from the city, noting that over €4.5 million is allocated to these services, marking it as the largest municipal investment in the Canary Islands for this purpose. However, he raised concerns about the “structural overload” that Santa Cruz is experiencing, as it is shouldering responsibilities that extend beyond its jurisdiction. The mayor’s remarks underscore the urgent need for a collaborative approach to effectively manage the crisis.

Demographics and Challenges

According to municipal reports, a striking 81% of those receiving assistance are adult men. Of the total assisted, 61% (approximately 450 individuals) are registered residents of Santa Cruz, indicating a notable local connection. The report also highlights that 38% of the individuals are foreign nationals, while 17% are in irregular administrative situations, complicating their access to social and legal support. This demographic breakdown reveals the complex nature of homelessness in the area, where various factors contribute to the challenges faced by individuals seeking help.

Another critical issue is the high prevalence of mental health challenges among the homeless population, with over 30% (222 individuals) affected. The city’s accommodation facilities are operating at nearly full capacity, with a staggering 1,346 requests for assistance denied between January and August due to insufficient space. Additionally, 27 municipal accommodations are currently occupied by individuals who should ideally be placed in social health centers, further straining resources. This situation highlights the urgent need for increased capacity and targeted mental health services to address the needs of this vulnerable group.

Collaborative Efforts for Solutions

Despite these challenges, Bermúdez noted that the Social Care team has successfully helped 178 individuals transition out of homelessness between 2024 and mid-2025. He pointed out that the council is actively collaborating with the Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo of Tenerife, and various NGOs and local organizations, stressing that Santa Cruz cannot manage this crisis in isolation, as it impacts the entire island. This collaborative approach is essential for developing comprehensive solutions that address the multifaceted nature of homelessness.

Lola Padrón assured that the Diputación del Común is committed to facilitating cooperation among different administrations and the Public Prosecutor’s Office to find effective solutions for homelessness. She proposed three immediate actions: activating the competencies of the Canary Islands Guardianship Council, developing new resources in other municipalities, and establishing the Assertive Community Team (ECA) to address mental health cases. These initiatives aim to create a more robust support system for those in need.

The meeting concluded with a pledge to enhance inter-administrative coordination, aiming to bolster both human and material resources dedicated to supporting homeless individuals. This commitment reflects a growing recognition of the need for a united front in tackling the homelessness crisis, ensuring that no individual is left without the necessary support.

Key points

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has requested mediation from the Diputación del Común for homeless support services.
• 732 individuals received assistance from the Comprehensive Service for Homeless Individuals (SIAPSH) from January to August 2025.
• Over €4.5 million is allocated to homeless services, the largest municipal investment in the Canary Islands.
• 81% of those assisted are adult men, with 61% registered as residents of Santa Cruz.
• More than 30% of service users have mental health issues, highlighting a critical area of concern.
• 1,346 requests for assistance were denied due to lack of available accommodation.
• The Diputación del Común is committed to collaborating with various administrations to address homelessness effectively.