Tenerife Socialists Slam Coalition for Rejecting Homelessness Prevention Funding Boost

Tenerife's Socialist party (PSOE) has criticized the island's governing coalition (Canarian Coalition and Popular Party) for rejecting their plan to boost funding for Cáritas' "Base 25" program. This program is designed to help prevent evictions and homelessness on the island.

The Socialists say "Base 25" is the only Island Council initiative working to prevent homelessness. Their proposal aimed to increase its funding to €1 million. This would allow the program to help more vulnerable families with rent and prevent more people from becoming homeless.

Priscila de León, a Socialist island councilor, expressed disappointment that the governing parties are "refusing to strengthen a service that stops families from losing their homes," while at the same time supporting the creation of an anti-squatter office pushed by the Vox party.

The PSOE stated that their priority is preventing homelessness, "not maintaining an office for 'squats'."

De León also pointed out that "Base 25" assisted 1,848 individuals and 733 households in 2024 alone, and has helped over 3,600 people in the last two years.

The program provides advice, mediation, and financial aid to help people keep their homes.

According to Cáritas Diocesana de Tenerife, over 2,800 people are homeless on the island, with most of them living in Santa Cruz, Arona, Adeje, La Laguna, Puerto de la Cruz, and Granadilla.

Cáritas warns that the housing situation is becoming a crisis, due to rising rents and a lack of affordable housing.

The PSOE of Tenerife believes it's crucial for the Island Council to prioritize social policies that focus on preventing evictions, providing affordable housing, and protecting vulnerable families.