The photos on this page show where one man in Faro sought shelter for the night. Seeing where people are forced to take refuge in the Algarve might shock you. However, for the homeless, these squalid conditions are worth enduring just to avoid being on the streets.
Homelessness is defined as the state of having no fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence. A complex issue with far-reaching consequences, it affects millions of people worldwide. Economic factors, such as poverty and unemployment, are significant contributors to homelessness. Mental health issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, and systemic issues like the lack of affordable housing and inadequate social safety nets can also push individuals onto the streets.
While the causes are multifaceted, the impact of winter on those experiencing homelessness can be particularly devastating. Many people these days teeter precariously on the brink of losing their homes due to economic conditions. Many require weekly food parcels to make ends meet as the rent swallows much of their earnings. We have all heard the phrase, ‘Most people are only three paychecks from the street.’ It’s a stark reminder that even those in full-time employment can find themselves without a roof over their heads, especially in the Algarve, where soaring rents make it difficult for many to find affordable housing even when jobs are available.
Portugal’s basic housing law recognises housing as a fundamental right and entrusts the government with the responsibility of ensuring adequate housing. While this law aims to address homelessness, its effectiveness in practice remains questionable. In cities like Lisbon, homelessness and tent encampments are increasing despite the law. Social security debt can prevent housing assistance, even for families living in dire conditions. Long housing waiting lists exacerbate the problem. Even those who do have a home often struggle to afford essential utilities like electricity and water.
Individuals experiencing homelessness often face a cycle of poverty and hardship that can be difficult to escape. The lack of social housing, coupled with financial issues and personal struggles, contributes to the persistence of this problem. Exposure to dropping temperatures can lead to serious illnesses, especially increased respiratory illnesses. Moreover, the cold weather can exacerbate mental health conditions and the need to escape the cold by turning to substance abuse.
The sad truth of homelessness is that whatever the cause of the spiral from poverty to the street is not an easy one to escape, with many facing the prospect of this being their reality for the rest of their lives.
Community involvement is crucial in addressing homelessness. Volunteering, donating, advocating for policy changes and fundraising can significantly impact this issue.
Last month in the Algarve, the Red Cross ran out of food for the homeless and struggling families. Luckily, a social media campaign stepped in to plug the gap. I spoke to Ana Palmeira from the Red Cross in Faro, who is currently organising a supermarket food drive for November. Ana’s team provided over 694 food packages just this year, and as fast as donations come in, they go out again. The Red Cross in Portugal receives no public funding, so any donations are greatly appreciated and desperately needed.
The National Strategy for the Integration of Homeless People (ENIPSSA) reported 1.51 homeless people per 1,000 residents in the Algarve in 2022, ranking the region third worst, behind the Alentejo and Lisbon. Sapo News reported a 78% increase in homelessness nationwide in 2023. MAPS Algarve (www.mapsalgarve.org) identified 744 homeless people in eight municipalities in May 2024, and these numbers represent only those who have been identified.
Eve Clifton, a local Algarve resident and homelessness advocate, explained the main things needed by homeless people in winter. Eve is currently running a Help the Homeless Winter campaign; she has teamed up with UK charity Sleep Pod (sleeppod.org.uk) to bring 100 sleep pods to the Algarve. These are lightweight, insulated, wind, rain and cold temperature-resistant, one-person shelters. They are a great solution for rough sleepers who move around. In addition, the campaign seeks to supply front-line charities with sleeping bags for distribution to people experiencing homelessness across the Algarve.
GALP has a campaign, Every Step Counts, which many of you will be unaware of. By registering the km you travel each day, from dog walking to a road trip, GALP pledges a meal for each km. The aim is to provide over 1 million meals over the winter months. It’s definitely a great project to sign up for this month.
Ultimately, the issues around fixing the homeless problem are complicated, but regardless of the issues at a grassroots level, we can all help if we can give a little. So, if it’s a tent, a sleeping bag, or even a toothbrush, every bit helps.
For those who have fallen through the cracks of society, often through no fault of their own, we should show only compassion. After all, there’s another well-known saying, ‘There but for the grace of God go I’.
Merry Christmas.
You can contact Ana at: Dfaroloule.areasocial@cruzvermelha.org.pt or +351 914813620
To register for the GALP campaign: shorturl.at/dSMQX
Help the Homeless Winter Campaign
The charity is looking for tents, sleeping bags, small old-fashioned saucepans (without plastic handles) that can go directly on a fire, thick socks, underwear, food (tins of tuna, hot dogs, jars of beans), clothing (waterproof coats, gloves, tracksuit bottoms, personal hygiene products, trainers, walking shoes/boots, hoodies/sweatshirts, long johns, leggings, long-sleeved t-shirts), and torches/head torches.
For more information on how you can get involved, email Eve at eacalgarve@gmail.com
