According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), in the Balearic Islands more than 535 people are homeless, and what is even more alarming, 83% of them have been living on the street for more than a year. This figure makes the Balearic Islands the autonomous community with the highest level of chronic homelessness in Spain.
The number of people over 45 years of age experiencing homelessness has increased by 45% between 2012 and 2022, and an increase of 148% is observed in the same time period among those over 64 years of age.
To respond to this situation, HOGAR SÍ and Provivienda, in collaboration with the Majorcan Institute of Social Affairs (IMAS) and with funding from Next Generation funds through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Ministry of Social Rights and Agenda 2030, have implemented "Goldies", within the pilot project Housing Rights. This initiative for the deinstitutionalization of homeless people over 65 years of age, facilitates the incorporation of these people into housing-based programs and integrated services in the community. The objective is to provide a transitional space for people to rebuild their lives and regain autonomy.
The story of César Villarruel
An inspiring example of this project is the story of César Villarruel, a painter whose life has turned around. "I arrived 20 years ago. I went to Venezuela because things were very difficult here and then I returned and I've been in Mallorca for five years," he tells us.
When César first arrived in Mallorca, he was 50 years old and had little more than his paintings in his hands. He has lived on the street, paid for rooms and stayed in many hostels until he was lucky enough to live in this house, where "now one is free and lives a better life," he confesses.
"Goldies" is an example of how providing shared housing can dignify and transform lives. "Providing housing and helping with housing gives a person dignity. It dignifies having privacy and personal protection, allowing autonomy to live life," explains Itziar Hortelano, HOGAR SÍ's socio-educational technician. For César, this opportunity has been "a very radical change in my life and now I have more freedom, more liberty and I feel free," he says.
In a context where homelessness among people over the age of 65 is a growing challenge, projects like this one offer a glimmer of hope and an innovative approach to address this social crisis. César Villarruel's story is just one example of how collaboration and determination can transform lives and offer a new opportunity to those facing homelessness in our communities.
Source: https://ib3.org/cesar-villarruel-aqui-puc-viure-en-llibertat-em-sento-segur
