Santa Cruz Mayor Urges Action on Mentally Ill Homeless Crisis

The Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, is urgently calling on the Canary Islands Government and the legal system to help with the growing problem of homeless people with mental health issues on the city's streets.

Following a recent case highlighted in DIARIO DE AVISOS, involving a homeless man named Francisco, the Mayor expressed his concern, stating, "I believe the system has failed them, offering no real solutions. We can't act effectively without their consent or a judge's order, as the responsibility lies with the Canarian Health Service, not us. The law simply doesn't allow it."

He acknowledged that residents share this concern, recognizing the complexity of the issue. "To a large extent, our hands are tied because it goes beyond our authority as a city council. Despite this, we're making a significant effort and invest more in social services than any other council in the Canary Islands. We've identified and supported all the homeless people, most of whom have mental illnesses. However, our work is often restricted because we can't act without a court order, which is incredibly frustrating for our teams and those of us who want to provide proper, humane help."

Bermúdez affirmed, "We remain committed to finding real and dignified solutions for these individuals living on the streets. We're meeting with NGOs, professionals, and other authorities to explore how we can all work together to find an effective response."

The Mayor dismissed any suggestion of neglect on the part of the city council. "Neglect would mean ignoring the problem. I am deeply concerned about the situation of homeless people in our city. The Canarian Health Service isn't providing adequate support. Simply taking them to a hospital during a crisis, treating them for a few hours, and then releasing them back onto the street isn't a solution."

He also emphasized the difficulty in providing help when the legal system prioritizes the rights of homeless individuals to refuse treatment, "This is a frequent problem. Judges often prioritize the rights of the homeless over their right to receive treatment, even when their mental capacity limits their ability to make informed decisions."