Tenerife Swimming Spot Becomes Homeless Shelter

Los Charcos de Valleseco, a swimming spot in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has become a temporary shelter for homeless people. This situation, reported by DIARIO DE AVISOS, highlights the increasing strain on city public spaces and the social issues facing major cities. This coastal area is visited daily by people, mostly men, who create temporary resting places among the palm trees. They stay there from the time it opens in the morning until it closes at night.

These individuals use the public facilities to meet their basic needs. They use the showers to wash themselves and their clothes. The restrooms, including the one for people with disabilities, are used for shaving, going to the toilet, and charging phones. Their resting spots are in hidden areas, away from the sunbathing deck and beach access. This keeps them out of sight of other visitors and the Santa Cruz City Council's Mobile Outreach Unit (UMA), a service that helps homeless people.

While regular visitors to Los Charcos haven't reported any problems with these individuals, there have been concerns about the cleanliness of the facilities, particularly in winter when police patrols are less frequent. When night comes, they collect their belongings and go to other parts of the city. They return to Los Charcos when it reopens in the morning.

Since Los Charcos opened two years ago, the city council has been responsible for its upkeep and security. They've had to spend money fixing street furniture and railings damaged by vandals or sea corrosion. Police and lifeguards are only present more often during summer or very hot weather. Gladis de León, the Councilor for Security, said she didn't know about homeless people staying there because no official complaints had been made. However, she announced that the situation would be looked into, and patrols would be increased. This situation shows the complicated link between managing public spaces, ensuring public safety, and looking after the most vulnerable people.