31/12/2012 00:00
TW
0

Palma.—In 2008, there were between 50 and 60 homeless people in Palma, this year that figure has ballooned to 120 although the Red Cross and other charities are having to help over two hundred people who either temporarily or permanently live on the streets of the capital.

Of the 212 cared for by the Red Cross, 112 are considered to be permanently homeless people while 62 are considered “temporarily homeless” because they flit between the city's shelters and the street.

However, according to Hugo Cozar who works for the Red Cross unit, the number of people living rough has risen at a monthly rate this year and during the winter, it is extremely tough for the homeless and the charities which mount a special cold weather operation.

In Palma there are four shelters for the homeless, three of which are run by the Red Cross's Mobile Social Emergency Unit.
All work is very close cooperation with the city's council social welfare department and some have waiting lists as they struggle to cope with the rising demand for shelter.

But the recession has complicated the situation for the charities which are struggling to cope.
Over the past few years, unemployment has become the main reason for people living on the streets and the average age of the homeless is getting younger. “Young people who have lost their jobs and can no longer afford to pay the rent or the mortgage and have no where else to turn,” he explained.
But, Cozar said that at the same time, we are coming across more couples and pensioners who have been forced on to the streets.