Spain's growing homelessness crisis: A closer look at the numbers

As reports emerge of hundreds of homeless individuals seeking shelter in Madrid's Barajas Airport, the severity of Spain's homelessness issue demands a thorough examination. The Local delves into the complexities surrounding this pressing societal concern and its implications for the nation.

The perception of homelessness in Spain varies significantly depending on one's background. For those hailing from small towns in Sweden or Switzerland, or even rural Spain, the sight of numerous personas sin hogar (homeless individuals) in urban centers like Madrid or Barcelona can be jarring. Conversely, visitors from larger cities in the UK or the US might consider Spain's homeless population relatively modest.

Recent statistics from Aena, Spain's airport operator, and Madrid's City Hall reveal a staggering increase in the number of homeless individuals at Barajas Airport. Estimates suggest that between 370 and 500 individuals now find refuge there, a sharp rise from just 40 a decade ago.

This alarming trend prompted inquiries from concerned readers, particularly one from Girona, urging an exploration of the broader homelessness issue throughout Spain. In response, The Local has undertaken a comprehensive investigation to illuminate the situation on a national scale.

How many homeless people are there?

Accurately quantifying the homeless population in Spain is challenging due to the transient nature of their circumstances. According to the 2022 National Statistics Institute (NSI) Homelessness Survey, there were officially 28,552 homeless individuals. However, this figure likely underrepresents the true scale of the issue. With evolving economic conditions post-pandemic, estimates suggest that this number may have risen to over 40,000 by the end of 2024.

In 2023, the charity Caritas reported assisting 42,336 individuals experiencing homelessness, marking a 7.2 percent increase from the previous year. While some individuals may have received assistance multiple times, this figure provides a valuable insight into the rising crisis. Estimates indicate that the actual number of homeless individuals in Spain could realistically range between 35,000 and 40,000, given that many do not engage with social services.

Who are the homeless in Spain?

Recent reports from Europa Press provide a nuanced view of the demographic landscape of homelessness in Spain. Approximately 58 percent of the homeless population consists of foreign nationals, with the majority aged between 30 and 54. Notably, among the youth homeless demographic, 83 percent are foreigners, while older homeless individuals tend to be Spanish.

Geographically, the largest group of foreign homeless individuals originates from the Maghreb region (33 percent), followed by the European Union (27 percent) and South America (18 percent). A significant portion of foreign homeless women comes from Europe and Latin America, contrasting with their male counterparts who predominantly hail from Africa.

Is Spain's homelessness problem worsening?

Despite the difficulties in obtaining precise statistics, evidence suggests that homelessness is indeed on the rise in Spain. Data from the NSI's Survey of Centres and Services for Homeless People indicates an increase in the average daily occupancy of homeless accommodations, rising from around 10,000 in 2006 to approximately 17,800 in 2020.

Furthermore, the 2022 survey revealed a 24.5 percent increase in the number of homeless individuals compared to data from 2012. However, the reliability of these figures is debatable, as many homeless individuals do not access shelters or are overlooked in traditional counts.

How does Spain compare to other countries?

While Spain grapples with its rising homelessness issue, the problem remains less severe than in several other countries. According to the World Population Review, neighboring France has approximately 333,000 homeless individuals, the UK reports 380,000, Germany has around 262,000, and Italy counts 96,000. Thus, while Spain's situation is concerning, it does not reach the same levels of urgency seen elsewhere in Europe.

Solutions to the crisis

Although Spain's homelessness crisis may appear less acute than in some neighboring nations, the volatility of the property market poses significant risks for many residents. A report from the Bank of Spain indicates that approximately 45 percent of renters are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, the highest rate in Europe.

Historically, Spain has underfunded social programs aimed at addressing homelessness. In 2019, public spending on social policies related to homelessness and housing exclusion was significantly lower than in other European countries. Investing in these programs and reforming social housing policies are crucial steps towards alleviating the crisis. Currently, Spain's social housing stock comprises only 1.5 percent of all homes, starkly contrasting with the European average of 9 percent.

The rising tide of homelessness in Spain presents a multifaceted challenge that necessitates urgent attention and action. As the nation confronts this issue, it becomes imperative to enhance social support systems and housing accessibility to prevent further deterioration of the situation.