Santa Cruz Clears Homeless Camps Amid Resident Complaints

Santa Cruz is still facing a serious homelessness problem, particularly around the Municipal Welcome Center (CMA) in neighborhoods like Azorín and Somosierra. Recently, local police removed four tents and other items near the Pancho Camurria pavilion on Colombia Street and next to the community center in La Granja park.

Early last Wednesday, police officers told people staying in tents near Pancho Camurria that they couldn't remain there overnight. The individuals packed up and left, and a cleaning company called Valoriza then cleared away many belongings and cleaned the site.

Separately, after residents reported it, another tent was removed from a bocce ball court on Colombia Street. The person living there collected their things and left, allowing cleaning crews to do their job.

Finally, at the cleaning company's request, officers helped remove many items found near the entrance of the citizen service center in La Granja park.

This isn't the first time homeless camps have been found in these areas. Last year, the city council cleared 30 shacks from a settlement next to the Pancho Camurria wrestling ring. That land had been occupied by homeless people for over 16 years, and the goal is for it to become a public space.

The Azorín neighborhood, near the municipal shelter, is another area where these unauthorized camps cause problems. Residents of the Cepsa I homeowners' association on Pedro Salinas Street recently told DIARIO DE AVISOS that they can no longer put up with homeless people camping on the street, particularly on the open space behind the Azorín neighborhood association, directly across from their homes.

Residents described a grim situation that has only gotten worse. They said they've "suffered for a long time" from a "situation that can no longer be endured" because of a permanent camp that constantly causes trouble. "Here, at any hour of the day or night, it's all fights, shouting; we can't even look out the window," they complained.

Those affected claim the area has become so bad that they now live with rats and cockroaches. They also report daily safety concerns, seeing people urinating in the street or blocking sidewalks with mattresses. "You can't even walk down the street," they added. Residents say that if they complain, the campers respond with verbal threats, and "they have even pulled a knife on a neighbor."

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez recently explained that people are sleeping outside the CMA because the shelter is full. He said the capital is overwhelmed with homeless individuals, leading him to seek help from the Ombudsman's Office and even threaten legal action if other public bodies don't take their share of responsibility.

He added, "The standard in the Social Services system is for each municipality to care for its own residents who are without resources. However, we've found that some municipalities are paying for services in the capital for people to be looked after here."