This initiative, born in the La Florida neighborhood, the densest in Europe and with significant social problems, offers an innovative solution to the growing difficulty of accessing decent housing. The cooperative acquires flats from speculative funds and banks to transfer their use to families who cannot access the free market, where rents exceed 1,000 euros.
The fear of eviction and housing precariousness have generated situations of anxiety and mental health problems in many families. One of the beneficiaries, who unsuccessfully sought social housing, found in Les Juntes the necessary support to stabilize her situation. Currently, her family lives in a cooperative flat, with the peace of mind of not being evicted.
“"Many people come to live here who are not wanted elsewhere due to racism or aporophobia."
Activism for dignified housing in La Florida has gained strength in the face of the constant trickle of evictions. At the end of 2023, a group of women decided to go beyond stopping evictions and form a cooperative. This political commitment seeks to correct the failure of public housing policies and maintain the social network of the neighborhood.
After fulfilling a viability plan and signing a loan with Coop57, Les Juntes set the goal of acquiring four homes. So far, they have exceeded expectations, purchasing eight flats and having two more in the process of acquisition. Member families pay a monthly fee of 450 euros, an affordable amount for many of them.
“"I have cried a lot, but now with the flat, a weight has been lifted off me."
The profile of cooperative families is diverse, but most share high social vulnerability. The cooperative also aims to rehabilitate the flats, many of which have structural deficiencies. Les Juntes presents itself as a political commitment that opens the door of hope for those at constant risk of homelessness, fighting against the paternalism and blame often suffered by people without access to decent housing.
