Santa Cruz Community Calls for Enhanced Support for Homeless Population
Residents of Santa Cruz are advocating for increased resources from the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands to assist the city’s homeless individuals.
Rising Concerns About Homelessness
Jesús Triana, president of the La Arboleda Neighbourhood Association, highlighted the alarming situation of many individuals living in ravines. He stated that their association is currently working with two people facing homelessness. Triana emphasized the need for additional resources to effectively support these individuals, echoing the mayor’s call for the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Canary Islands government to allocate more funds to the local council to tackle this pressing issue.
Visibility of the Homeless Population
Triana pointed out that many individuals experiencing homelessness often go unnoticed by passersby. He noted that when someone is lying on the street, possibly struggling with addiction, there is a lack of public reaction. However, complaints arise when these individuals are seen begging outside stores. He also mentioned that the homeless population in Santa Cruz is not solely composed of locals; there is a noticeable increase in foreigners and individuals from other municipalities. Despite the growing budget for homelessness in Santa Cruz, Triana insists that other public administrations need to take responsibility for this issue.
Community Associations Unite for Action
Five neighbourhood associations in Santa Cruz, including La Arboleda, Residencial Anaga, Las Ramblas, La Ninfa-Ifara, and La Muralla, have expressed their concerns regarding the plight of the homeless. According to the Comprehensive Service for the Care of Homeless People (SIAPSH), there are currently 732 homeless individuals in the area. The associations are demanding greater attention and commitment to ensure that these individuals receive the necessary support. They highlighted that more than half of the homeless population is Spanish, with a significant portion facing irregular administrative situations. Furthermore, they noted that 30% of the homeless individuals in Santa Cruz are dealing with mental health issues.
Mental Health Challenges Among the Homeless
The associations reiterated findings shared by the council, revealing that 222 homeless individuals suffer from mental health problems, with 174 diagnosed cases and 48 showing signs of such conditions. The council has identified 36 severe cases, 13 of which are in critical condition. The neighbourhood associations stressed that the responsibility for addressing these issues primarily lies with the local council, which is currently overwhelmed by the volume of homelessness originating from other municipalities. They argue that the burden of care should be shared among all relevant authorities.
Call for Comprehensive Support
In their appeal, the neighbourhood associations urged both the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Government of the Canary Islands to commit to supporting those facing physical, social, and economic hardships. While residents express compassion for the homeless situation, they also feel frustrated by the deterioration of community coexistence. They raised concerns about children in these neighbourhoods who are exposed to inappropriate scenes on their way to school, criticizing the lack of institutional support for those in dire need. The associations emphasized that entire families are living in precarious situations, which is unfair to both those requiring urgent assistance and those who deserve to live in a safe environment.
Recent Discussions on Homelessness Solutions
Recently, Santa Cruz Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez met with Ombudswoman Lola Padrón to discuss the homelessness crisis and the significant strain on municipal services. Padrón commended the council’s efforts and pledged to mediate with other administrations and the public prosecutor’s office to implement effective measures. She proposed three immediate actions: activating the competencies of the Canary Islands Guardianship Council, creating new resources for homeless individuals in other municipalities to decentralize care, and implementing the ECA Device (Assertive Community Team) to address mental health cases.
Key points
- Residents of Santa Cruz are calling for increased resources to support the homeless population.
- Many homeless individuals are living in ravines, with a significant number going unnoticed by the public.
- Five neighbourhood associations have united to demand greater attention for the homeless, citing 732 individuals in need.
- Over 30% of the homeless population in Santa Cruz faces mental health challenges.
- The responsibility for addressing homelessness is primarily falling on the local council, which is overwhelmed.
- Recent discussions have taken place between the mayor and the Ombudswoman to explore solutions for homelessness.
