Santa Cruz de Tenerife Partners with Dinosol Foundation to Boost Social Assistance

Public-private partnerships are becoming a vital tool for tackling social exclusion in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Following a new agreement between the City Council and the Dinosol Foundation, the city will increase its ability to support those in need through external funding that does not strain the local budget.

The initiative centers on the city’s existing Social Assistance Economic Benefits (PEAS) program, which allows residents to purchase essential goods independently. Under the new deal, the Dinosol Foundation will contribute 3% of the annual spending on these benefit cards toward new funds. These extra resources will be managed by municipal social services to cover urgent needs that often fall outside standard administrative support.

The funding will help provide food, school supplies, toys during the holidays, and other necessities for social programs. Charín González, the Councilor for Social Policies, noted that this approach cuts through red tape, ensuring that vulnerable people receive immediate help without the usual bureaucratic delays.

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez praised the model for strengthening the city’s social safety net without increasing public spending. The agreement, signed by the Mayor alongside Dinosol Foundation president Davinia Domínguez and project director Fernando Cruz, aims to make local social services more agile.

This partnership reflects a growing trend of local governments diversifying how they fund social support. By allowing beneficiaries to manage their own purchases, the City Council aims to provide help while preserving the dignity of those involved and avoiding the stigma sometimes associated with traditional food handouts. For the Social Policies department, this collaboration provides a flexible way to respond quickly to emergency situations.