The reality of homelessness in Barcelona is complex and growing, with over 8,000 people lacking stable housing. Of these, nearly 2,000 sleep on the streets, a figure representing a 40% increase in the last two years. Additionally, around 400 live in informal settlements or occupied premises, while 3,000 are in public or private facilities, and 3,500 in temporary emergency accommodations.
One of the areas where this situation is most visible is the Ronda Litoral, where an estimated 150 people have set up tents or similar structures. The profile of these individuals is diverse, including young foreigners, women who have experienced violence, and, surprisingly, people with employment income.
“"I was paying for a rented room but I lost my job and ended up on the street."
According to data from the Barcelona City Council and social organizations, in 2024, 13% of people sleeping in facilities for the homeless had some form of employment income. This reality challenges the stereotype of homelessness, showing that many individuals work in the informal economy or earn insufficient wages to afford decent housing.
“"The stereotypical image of homeless people always found in the same place accounts for a small part of the homeless population. There is a lot of diversity."
Experts like Albert Sales from the Institut Metròpoli and Aura Roig from the Metzineres cooperative point out that rising housing prices and gentrification are key factors in this escalation. They also criticize that social care resources often do not adapt to the real needs of individuals and accumulate long waiting lists, with delays of months for initial assistance or almost a year to access a shelter.
The law addressing homelessness, which has been in parliamentary process since 2022, remains stalled. This situation, according to experts, reflects a lack of political will in some municipalities to tackle this issue in a coordinated and effective manner.
