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Catalan Ombudsperson Launches Five Work Groups to Coordinate Homelessness Response

Mayors warn the long‑pending homelessness law will only work with ring‑fenced resources.

Overview

  • Esther Giménez-Salinas convened more than 30 municipalities, social groups and regional officials on Thursday to formalize a joint response in Barcelona.
  • Participants agreed to create five task groups focused on priorities such as improving data quality and mental health care, with calls for clear intergovernmental coordination.
  • The Síndica presented a municipal survey indicating at least 6,724 people in street situations across responding areas, equal to 0.12% of the population, alongside 147 related complaints in three years.
  • In Barcelona, Fundación Arrels counted roughly 1,982 people sleeping outdoors—about a 43% rise in two years—while the city’s own tally logged 1,784, underscoring data inconsistencies.
  • The Generalitat said it will support local entities and highlighted existing frameworks and a proposed Protection and Residential Stability service, while mayors pressed for dedicated funding as the homelessness law remains in the amendment phase after four years.