In Spain, more than 37,000 people live in a situation of homelessness and it is estimated that 12.6% of the population has had their right to housing violated at some point in their lives.
Since 2022, Provivienda and HOGAR SÍ have developed the social innovation projects Derechos a la vivienda and H4Y FUTURO, financed by Next Generation funds through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and Agenda 2030, and in collaboration with 12 public administrations, to transform the current homelessness care system.
One of the main problems of homelessness is the loss of people's autonomy; "when you're on the street you can't think clearly," says María, a participant in the H4Y FUTURO program, who has been homeless for four of her 23 years.
Through this program of early attention to homelessness, she was able to access safe and stable housing, and receive social support that allows her to generate processes of autonomy.
The importance of being able to decide
"Being on the street limits you in many ways. I had a job that was very good for me to get out of the pit and they didn't take me. Because I couldn't wash or shave. You get tired because you're sleeping in this park," explains Juanjo, a Housing Rights participant who has been homeless for 12 years.
María and Juanjo talk about their different experiences and processes before and after entering the H4Y FUTURO and Housing Rights programs. Both are aware of how they have gradually regained full autonomy in their lives to freely decide their next steps.
