The housing drama in Ibiza: alarming data from the Red Cross

The island of Ibiza is facing an unprecedented housing emergency. This is confirmed by the first census of settlements prepared by the Red Crossin collaboration with Alfonso López, member of the Social Observatory of the Balearic Islands (OSIB), presented this Friday during the II Island Conference on Homelessness “Every piece counts”.

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The study shows a worrying figure: more than 1,000 people lived in a situation of homelessness or residential exclusion last summer, which represents an increase of 66% compared to the winter months.

One of the most significant data in the report is the growth in substandard housing, which went from 365 structures in March to 655 in July.

These precarious constructions -caravans, shacks, sheds or tents- occupy more than 24,000 square meters distributed in 21 different areas of the island.

The humanitarian organization warns that the phenomenon, far from being punctual, is becoming chronic over the years, affecting more and more working people who cannot afford the cost of rent in high season.

Mental health, community and social intervention

In addition to the presentation of the census, the conference includes other presentations that broaden the vision of homelessness from a health and community perspective.

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Psychiatrist Álvaro José Palma Conesa, from Can Misses Hospital, gave a talk on “Dual pathology: the importance of the social model in recovery”, focused on how social conditions aggravate mental disorders and addictions.

Dolça Feliu, a referent in community focus of the Spanish Red Cross, gave a presentation entitled “How to build an individualistic community”, a reflection on social isolation and its impact on vulnerable people .

During the days, a group of people assisted by the Red Cross participated in a graffiti art workshop, guided by a volunteer of the organization.

The activity, held outside the auditorium, seeks to give visibility to the reality of homelessness through artistic expression.

Continue reading:

• Ibiza’s housing crisis: an alarming x-ray and 60 solutions on the table

• Housing crisis in Ibiza: Sant Antoni prepares land for a thousand apartments at reasonable prices

• Why the housing crisis hits people with disabilities hardest in Ibiza

• Survey launched to find out how the housing crisis is affecting Ibiza residents