In Badalona, the homeless situation has worsened following the closure of the city’s only municipal shelter. In the past two months, four people without permanent housing have died on the city streets. This has sparked public outcry among residents and organizations, who are demanding immediate action from the authorities. The administration’s decision to shut down the shelter has led to mass protests and heated debate, as the consequences have proven tragic for vulnerable groups.
The Story of Jordi Fibla
Jordi Fibla was the youngest of seven children in a family that had been in the meat trade in central Badalona for four generations. Despite strong local roots and social standing, his life ended on the street. In early March, he was found dead in one of the city squares. Fibla became the fourth homeless person to die in Badalona since the start of the year. His story stands out because he was well known in the city, and his fate drew special attention from the public.
According to El Pais, volunteers repeatedly helped Jordi Fibla by bringing him food and warm clothing. The municipality claims it had offered him accommodation options, but he declined. However, representatives from organizations point out that the city does not have enough resources to house everyone in need. After the closure of the Can Bofí Vell shelter, dozens of people were forced to sleep on the streets and in public spaces.
Public and Government Response
The closure of Can Bofí Vell in the spring of 2024 marked a turning point in the city’s social policy. Following this event, many homeless people were left without shelter. Despite numerous appeals from civic organizations and the opposition, the authorities took no action to open new accommodation facilities. Even after more than 400 people were evicted from the former B9 institute, the situation remained unchanged.
Volunteers and activists emphasize that the shelter is in good condition and could reopen quickly. They also insist on establishing a canteen for those in need. The opposition accuses the administration of inaction and demands an immediate solution. According to El Pais, Mayor Xavier Garcia Albiol previously claimed that homelessness had been tackled, but the tragic events of recent months have disproved these statements.
Personal stories and consequences
Jordi Fibla spent over a year living on the street, sleeping on benches near a playground and a highway. Those who knew him recall that after a divorce and losing his business, he struggled to adapt, frequently changed jobs, and found it hard to follow the rules. Over time, he became isolated, and his communication with family was reduced to requests for money. His death became widely known in the city, unlike other homeless individuals who died unnoticed and about whom almost nothing is known.
Other cases include the death of a man in January near a parking lot in the Raval district and the passing of another homeless person in February near the Canyadó police station. These tragedies highlight the scale of the problem and the lack of systemic solutions. Civil organizations are asking how many more lives will be lost due to the authorities’ inaction.
Context and similar incidents
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly faced situations where the closure of shelters or cuts in social programs have led to an increase in deaths among the homeless. In Barcelona and Madrid, similar incidents sparked public outcry and led to temporary support measures, but long-term solutions were rarely implemented. In 2025, after a series of street deaths in Valencia, local authorities were forced to open additional shelters. Despite some initiatives, the problem remains urgent for many cities across the country.
