There are many homeless people sleeping on the streets of Barcelona. Keep reading to learn about the different programs aimed to combat homelessness in Barcelona and why these people are homeless in the first place.
In May of 2018, 966 people were counted as sleeping rough on Barcelona's streets. In Catalonia, that number rises to above 5,000.
Most of the homeless people people in Barcelona become homeless due to economic reasons such losing their job, being evicted from their home or not being able to afford their rent. Other causes include discrimination based on race, illegal living status, adverse family situations such as divorce and personal problems such as mental illness.
The Arrels Foundation, located in the Raval neighborhood in Barcelona, is the biggest and most successful homeless charity in Barcelona. Since 1997, Arrels employees and volunteers have worked directly with the homeless, providing these folks with housing, meals and healthcare. Arrels employees also raise awareness for the issue of homelessness through campaigns and events.
