The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council carried out an eviction on Wednesday involving three vulnerable individuals occupying a volcanic cave on Avenida Islas Canarias. According to the authorities, these individuals have been offered support at the Municipal Reception Centre.
The operation involved the Mobile Approach Unit from the Municipal Social Care Institute (IMAS), which had previously assisted these individuals as part of its ongoing efforts to support those living on the streets, in substandard housing, or in shantytowns, explained Charín González, the councillor for the area.
Following the voluntary eviction, the individuals residing in the cave were offered relocation to the Municipal Reception Centre, where they are guaranteed social support, accommodation, and specialised guidance to facilitate their inclusion.
Throughout the operation, two police units were present to ensure the procedure’s safety, which was conducted without incident and proceeded smoothly.
After the residents vacated the premises, immediate cleaning and restoration efforts were initiated, removing accumulated belongings and eliminating any public health risks, stated the municipality.
Additionally, necessary work has started to secure and enclose the area to prevent future occupations and ensure safety, added Tarife.
The Mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Manuel Bermúdez, confirmed in a statement that this operation is part of the effort to ensure safety and public health in the municipality from a social perspective, aimed at supporting the most vulnerable individuals.
According to the latest data from Cáritas Diocesana published in June this year, the number of homeless individuals in Tenerife has surged by 70% over the last five years, driven by the housing crisis, with rising prices and a limited supply.
