The figure of the Defensora de la Ciutadania is a municipal institution for the defense of the freedoms and fundamental rights of citizens in matters relating to the services provided by the City Council of Palma. Recently a fruitful meeting was held with those responsible for the Housing First and Housing Led projects, managed by HOGAR SÍ and Provivienda, and funded by IMAS. "The main purpose of these initiatives is the rehabilitation and reintegration of homeless people , avoiding their institutionalization and respecting their fundamental rights and dignity," explained the Ombudsman.
During the meeting, the significant work developed by both projects was addressed and potential areas of collaboration between the entities and the Office of the Defensora de la Ciutadania were explored, as well as detailed explanations of the services provided by these projects and the operation of the Office as a municipal outreach resource. "It is essential to have real, up-to-date data to understand the current landscape and determine the most appropriate response as a society." For this reason, one of the next planned activities consists of organizing a count of people experiencing homelessness in Palma that will take place today, November 23.
Strategic collaboration for a structural problem
Among the Office's outstanding actions, experiences were shared on how it has advocated for the dignified relocation of homeless people when they have been evicted from public spaces. In addition, meetings with entities such as Metges del Món Illes Balears were highlighted to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness, such as access to showers, public toilets and places to wash clothes.
The Housing First and Housing Led projects developed in Alliance by Provivienda and HOGAR SÍ, presented the difficult reality of the lack of housing alternatives that make it difficult for the beneficiaries to find their own way out. Situations of violation of rights by the local police and the special vulnerability of women in situations of homelessness to male violence were also addressed.
The Ombudsman showed a constant interest in supporting these initiatives and expressed her willingness, although she acknowledged the structural difficulties encountered. This meeting demonstrates the importance of collaboration between entities and public administrations and the relevance of jointly addressing the problem of homelessness from different perspectives and approaches focused on housing.
Source: https://defensorciutadania.palma.es/-/noticia-de-pro-7?redirect=%2F
