The town hall estimates the cost of a month's hostel accommodation to have been 3,000 euros per family. Four of the six families have found somewhere to live. The two other families had to leave the accommodation by 9am Wednesday, they having rejected offers from the Council of Mallorca's Institute of Social Affairs because its hostel accommodation is in Palma.
On behalf of one of the families, Juan Carlos says: "We are very grateful for the help we have received so far, but what they are offering us is to go to Palma. My sister has a job in the hotel industry in Can Picafort, and I am starting a job in Puerto Alcudia on April the first. It is not feasible to go to Palma, especially when the children are going to school in Alcudia."
He adds that the accommodation in Palma was for the whole family but only for four days, after which "more drastic" measures where the children are concerned would be taken.
Juan Carlos wasn't untypical of some of the squatters. There were others who work in the hospitality industry and who have proper documentation (residency status) and employment contracts, both important for finding places to rent. However, these requirements are no longer sufficient given the shortage of homes to rent and their prices.
In the area, the price to rent just a studio apartment, if available and which is far from satisfactory for families, can be around 800 euros a month.
2 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
Not at all surprised they declined to go anywhere near Palma they don't have much left and there situation is not good but going to Palma would give them the rest and the situation would get really bad with the Holiday season fast approaching they have to make some hard decision´s feel for these people with children it´s a true disaster going to get harder for this faction of society !!!
To be honest, they were squatting a property. I know what they may be able to afford is not ideal, but its something, a start. They need to look at all options and do what needs to be done. Through my life, sacrifices have had to be made without any help. Unfortunately, the ideal life doesn't always happen in a dysfunctional world.