A step forward in the fight against homelessness
On February 26, the Parliament of Catalonia made history when approved, with a wide support, a proposal of law aimed at addressing in an urgent and effective way homelessness. This initiative, which has been promoted by five prominent social organizations, includes measures to guarantee fundamental rights to the homeless.
A pioneering project with an innovative approach
Antoni Millan i Massana, Honorary Professor of Administrative Law at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, has led this proposal, noting that its approval will mark a significant change in the way the vulnerable people are treated. “For the first time, a legal text will determine the needs of these individuals with determination,” he said.
The decent residential space: a new concept
One of the key measures of this law is the creation of a ‘decent residential space’, a service designed to provide a refuge for those who live on the street. This benefit will be a guaranteed right within the Social Services portfolio.
Commitments and obligations for inclusion
The legal text not only focuses on the creation of habitable spaces, but also establishes the obligation to register for all people, regardless of their housing situation. This will ensure that they have access to social services and health care, as well as benefits such as the guaranteed income of citizenship.
Monitoring of homelessness in Catalonia
In addition, municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants will have to count and studies to evaluate the scope of homelessness, with the aim of drawing up a detailed map of the problem in Catalonia.
Urgency in passing a necessary law
The organizations that have promoted this law have expressed concern about situations such as the recent unemployment of individuals at El Prat Airport, where they were forced to leave without a housing alternative. “It is crucial for this law to be passed quickly to protect those who do not have a safe place to rest,” they said.
A growing problem
It is currently estimated that more than 24,000 people are living in homelessness in Catalonia, a number that has grown alarmingly in recent years. This law represents a vital attempt to address this crisis and to provide support to the most vulnerable people in society.