Santa Cruz Businesses Press City Hall on Homelessness Crisis
Santa Cruz businesses met with the City Council to address growing concerns over homelessness, prompting an agreement for increased police patrols and a city-wide call for broader governmental support to tackle the island-wide issue.
Businesses in Santa Cruz are worried about the growing number of homeless people in the city center and other areas. About 50 representatives from shops and hotels have told the City Council that this is causing problems for everyone.
Last Monday, they met with Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez to discuss the issue. Business owners said that the demand for help for homeless people is increasing, and the city's resources are struggling to cope. As a result, both sides agreed to have more local police patrols and to improve how the city communicates and works with businesses. This is to make sure actions are effective and respectful for everyone.
Other city officials, including Deputy Mayor Carlos Tarife and councilors Charín González, Purificación Dávila, and Carmen Pérez, were also at the meeting. The Mayor pointed out that Santa Cruz spends over four million euros each year on homeless support, more than any other municipality in the Canary Islands. However, he stressed that other government bodies must also take responsibility. He said the city cannot deal with this island-wide and regional problem by itself.
The Mayor added that the city will continue to act "firmly and humanely," but also "insistently." This means they will call on the relevant authorities to make sure the Social Services Law and the Dependency Law are followed, ensuring a coordinated and fair approach.
This meeting is one of several the City Council has arranged with groups involved in homelessness. They have already met with city staff, charities, and officials from the Canary Islands government. Future meetings are planned with the Ombudsman, the Island Council (Cabildo), the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Local Police.
Mayor Bermúdez explained that these meetings are designed to share accurate information, ensure everyone has the facts, and give these groups a chance to voice their concerns and problems. The goal is to work together to find solutions.
Charín González, the Councilor for Social Policies, emphasized the urgent need for the Canary Islands Government's Health Directorate to provide specific support for homeless people with mental health issues. She also called for the Institute of Social and Sociosanitary Care to create more social and health care places across the entire island, not just in Santa Cruz. She warned that other towns must get involved and stop sending homeless individuals to Santa Cruz, as the city has reached its limit.
The City Council also promised to keep talking with social and economic groups. They will continue their meetings with the Island Council (Cabildo), the Public Prosecutor's Office, and security forces. Furthermore, they committed to pushing for the Dependency Law to be followed, even appealing to the Ombudsman or other authorities if necessary.