A prolonged conflict
For more than four years now, residents of a social home in the Sagrada Familia district in Barcelona have been leading with serious problems of coexistence. The community, which came together to deal with the situation, decided to make public its struggle at the beginning of the year, emphasizing its frustration with Habitat 3, the entity in charge of managing social rents.
An unexpected victory
Neighbors recently expressed their relief after the conflicting tenant has left the property. One of the visibly excited neighbors said that the tenant decided to leave because he was “tired”. This news has been received as a real victory for the community, which can now enjoy a better quality of life.
The responsibility of the manager
The neighbor himself criticized the effectiveness of Habitat 3, noting that his lack of action had contributed to the aggravation of the conflict. “The mediators were quick to acknowledge that this situation could not continue,” he added. Neighbors have maintained for months that the manager had repeatedly ignored their complaints, questioning their competence and commitment to the community.
The vulnerability in question
This situation has opened a debate on the true nature of vulnerability. Residents emphasized that the term is sometimes used to justify behaviors that go against the common good. The night parties, the illegal reliefs and the threats have been just some of the behaviors that have affected coexistence.
A wider problem
Despite the joy of the rename, neighbors are aware that this is not an isolated case. They consider other social housing to be in similar situations. The liability rests with the foundations that manage these properties, which cannot circumvent their obligations towards the community that welcomes them.
An uncertain future
Neighbors, despite their recent victory, are alert to the possibility that other similar situations may arise. This shows that the housing problem in Catalonia is complex and requires a deeper approach than what has been giving up so far. His experience has made it clear that the community needs to be heard and that social housing managers must be responsible for their actions.
