Catalonia faces a deepening crisis over the lack of support for people left homeless. According to El Pais, regional social organizations say that the β¬30 million allocated for 2026 will cover only a third of the necessary assistance. This decision has already caused a wave of criticism and concerns that most people in need will be left without support, while the situation on city streets is expected to deteriorate.
Experts point out that the current aid system has long required an overhaul. Representatives of the third sector insist that to make a real impact, a minimum of β¬100 million will be needed next year, with a gradual fourfold increase by 2030. At a press conference in Barcelona organized by Taula dβentitats del Tercer Sector Social de Catalunya, it was stated that the existing aid model has already been approved, but its implementation is moving too slowly. Authorities have pledged to carry out a plan to combat homelessness and shantytowns, but the allocated funds do not match the scale of the problem.
The true scale of poverty
Organizations emphasize that homelessness is not limited to sleeping on the streets. This category also includes those living in unsafe, overcrowded, or temporary housing, as well as families unable to afford rent. As housing and rental prices rise, more people are at risk. According to IDESCAT, about 25% of Catalonia’s residents are on the verge of poverty, and 15% regularly fall behind on rent payments. In 2024, CETIS estimates that more than 4,700 people received support services, but the actual number in need may be much higher.
According to a study commissioned by the Department of Social Rights, the number of people living in centers and shelters has increased by 40% over the past two years, reaching 4,726 people. For the first time, the report specifically highlights Catalonia, where the proportion of women among the homeless has risen significantly over the last decadeβfrom 12% to 42%. Representatives of the third sector are calling on authorities to ensure equal access to assistance regardless of place of residence and to strengthen coordination between municipalities and regions.
Child vulnerability
Meanwhile, the Pere TarrΓ©s Foundation has noted an increase in the number of children at risk. Currently, 36.5% of minors in Catalonia live in poverty, and nearly 8,800 children are under state protection. More than 5,200 of them have been placed in special centers after being removed from their families. The Foundation is running the Som Veu project, which has already shown positive results: improved academic performance and better family relationships. However, a lack of stable funding threatens the continuation of the program, and the organization is demanding long-term commitments from the authorities.
Systemic challenges
Social organizations are calling for the prompt adoption of a law to combat homelessness and for the provision of residence registration for everyone, even those without a permanent address. This would allow access to education, healthcare, and social services, as well as legalize the stay of migrants. Additionally, activists warn about the harmful impact of disinformation and hostile rhetoric, which hinder efforts to address the problem at a systemic level.
The issue of funding for social programs and support for vulnerable groups is becoming increasingly urgent not only in Catalonia but across Spain. As recently discussed in a report on disputes over budget allocations between regions, disagreements between business and authorities could impact the future of the countryβs social policy.
In recent years, Spain has faced a growing number of people left without housing, especially in major cities. In 2025, similar protests by social organizations demanding increased funding and a new approach to aid distribution were already recorded in Madrid and Valencia. In Barcelona, there have been repeated demonstrations in support of the right to register a residence address for the homeless. The issue of child poverty also remains in focus: in 2024, several foundations joined forces to launch joint support programs for families with children. These developments show that the problem requires comprehensive solutions and long-term commitments from the government.
