Nearly 3,000 People Face Extreme Risk of Homelessness in Tenerife

Almost 3,000 people in Tenerife are currently living in extreme residential exclusion, according to the latest report by Cáritas Diocesana. This alarming statistic marks the highest figure recorded in the past five years and reflects a significant 23% increase compared to the previous year. The report sheds light on the growing crisis of homelessness that is affecting the island and its residents.

Rising Homelessness Across the Island

Cáritas warns that poverty is becoming deeply entrenched across the Canary Islands, with the housing emergency now impacting all 31 municipalities of Tenerife. The Fifth Report on Extreme Residential Exclusion, which is funded by the Tenerife Island Council through the Institute for Social and Health Care (IASS), highlights that the rise in homelessness is being exacerbated by the island’s worsening housing crisis. Factors contributing to this situation include the impact of tourism, increased migration, and significant deficiencies in the social protection system.

The report emphasizes that the combination of these elements has created a perfect storm, leading to a situation where many individuals and families find themselves without stable housing. The ongoing challenges faced by the local population are indicative of a broader systemic issue that requires urgent attention and action from both local and regional authorities.

Concentration of Homelessness in Key Areas

According to the report, a staggering 80% of homeless individuals are concentrated in just six municipalities: Santa Cruz de Tenerife (37.1%), Arona (10.8%), Adeje (9.5%), Puerto de la Cruz (9.5%), La Laguna (8.4%), and Granadilla de Abona (6.3%). This concentration highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions in these areas, where the effects of homelessness are most pronounced.

Cáritas draws a “clear link” between the increase in holiday rentals, the sharp rise in housing prices, and the chronic shortage of social housing across Spain. The organization argues that the growing trend of converting residential properties into short-term vacation rentals has significantly reduced the availability of affordable housing for local residents, further exacerbating the crisis.

Demographics and Causes of Homelessness

Of those recorded in the report, 76.5% are men and 23.5% are women, while 29.2% are of foreign origin, many of whom find themselves caught in “administrative labyrinths.” Almost half (49.9%) of the homeless population previously lived in stable housing before falling into exclusion. This statistic challenges the common stereotype that homelessness is solely the result of personal failings or pathologies.

The report identifies the most common causes of homelessness, which include loss of the family home (26.1%) and rent arrears (7.2%). These figures illustrate that many individuals and families are one crisis away from losing their homes, highlighting the fragility of their living situations and the need for more robust support systems.

Critique of Housing Policies

Cáritas has been vocal in its criticism of the Canary Islands Government’s 2020–2025 Housing Plan, which aimed to build 5,000 new homes. However, the reality is stark, with only 1,152 subsidized units completed to date. This shortfall underscores the disconnect between policy intentions and actual outcomes, leaving many vulnerable individuals without the support they desperately need.

Additionally, the report reveals that a third of rental aid applicants were denied assistance due to exhausted funds, further complicating the situation for those seeking help. Between 2020 and 2025, a staggering 27,500 people registered as housing applicants, an increase of 10,500 compared to the previous period, indicating a growing demand for affordable housing solutions.

Health Implications of Residential Exclusion

The health implications of residential exclusion are profound and far-reaching. The report indicates that 44.5% of individuals experiencing homelessness suffer from chronic illnesses, with serious mental disorders (14.8%), depression (9.2%), and anxiety (8.3%) being particularly common. These statistics reveal the deep connection between homelessness and mental health decline, as the stress and instability of living without a home can exacerbate existing health issues.

Furthermore, the report highlights that 87.3% of the homeless population feels hopeless about the future, while 83.1% struggle with insomnia, and 82.7% experience persistent sadness. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and services tailored to the unique challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.

Call for Urgent Action

Cáritas is calling on authorities to take immediate action by increasing the availability of social housing, simplifying registration procedures, and creating ‘bridge teams’ that link street services with social and healthcare support. “Housing is a human right, not a privilege,” the NGO insists, reminding administrations of their duty as “guarantors of rights.” They also reference the European Commission’s 2021 Lisbon Declaration, which commits EU member states to ensuring that no one sleeps rough due to a lack of safe, adequate housing.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as the rising numbers of those at risk of homelessness in Tenerife demand a coordinated and effective response from all levels of government and society.

Key Points

• Nearly 3,000 people in Tenerife are at extreme risk of homelessness.
• This figure represents a 23% increase compared to the previous year.
• 80% of homeless individuals are concentrated in six municipalities.
• 76.5% of the homeless population are men.
• Common causes of homelessness include loss of the family home and rent arrears.
• The Canary Islands Government’s housing plan has fallen short of its goals.
• Residential exclusion has significant health impacts, including chronic illnesses and mental health issues.