Tenerife Storms Expose Critical Gaps in Support for Homeless Population
Recent storms in Tenerife have highlighted critical gaps in social support for the homeless, as many individuals continue to avoid municipal shelters due to safety concerns and a lack of flexible housing options.
Recent storms in the Canary Islands, particularly in Tenerife, have once again exposed how vulnerable homeless people are during extreme weather. As reported by Diario de Avisos, the arrival of storm Therese has had a severe impact on the health of those living on the streets, highlighting significant gaps in the city's social support system.
The story of Miguel Ángel, a 54-year-old who has been homeless for eleven years, shows how the current system often fails to meet the specific needs of those it is meant to help. Miguel Ángel, who suffers from epilepsy, pancreatitis, and sciatica, was recently hospitalized with pneumonia after being exposed to the harsh weather in García Sanabria Park.
His experience also highlights the friction between public safety enforcement and social care. Miguel Ángel reported that during the heavy rain, local police told him he must move to a municipal shelter or face a 600-euro fine. He refused, explaining that he has had negative experiences with others at these facilities—a common reason why many people experiencing homelessness avoid collective shelters.
This situation raises important questions about whether emergency protocols are truly effective if the provided resources do not offer a safe or suitable environment. Despite reaching out to the City Council, the Island Council, and social services, Miguel Ángel says he has been told there are no other options available. This leaves him in a difficult position where he feels he has no choice but to remain on the street. The lack of flexible housing and the strict rules within shelters remain major barriers to helping those in need.