Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Doubles Investment in Social Welfare to €32 Million

In a significant move to bolster social support, the Ayuntamiento (City Council) of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has announced a substantial increase in its investment in social welfare, doubling the budget since 2015 to a staggering €32 million.

A Commitment to Social Care

This significant escalation in funding was highlighted by Carmen Luz Vargas, the Concejal (Councillor) for Social Welfare, during a recent Pleno municipal (Municipal Plenary Session) on October 27, 2024. Vargas emphasized the city's strong commitment to social care, particularly for vulnerable populations, including those without homes.

Comprehensive Plans for Homeless Individuals

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria boasts one of the most comprehensive plans for addressing homelessness in the country, according to data from the Instituto Nacional de Evaluación de las Políticas Públicas (National Institute for the Evaluation of Public Policies). The city's municipal circuit for homeless care encompasses a range of services, from direct street intervention to tutelary housing, including centers for short and medium-term stays. These facilities aim to provide a holistic approach to social inclusion, offering services that range from primary social care to psychological support and job integration.

Key Facilities and Services

The city's network of care includes several key facilities: - The Centro de La Isleta, which offers 50 places for medium to long-term stays. - El Lasso, providing 38 places for medium-term stays. - The Centro de Urgencias y Emergencias Ramón y Cajal in El Polvorín, with 28 places. - The Fábrica de Hielo, housing the Servicio de Información, Orientación y Valoración (SIOV) and the Servicio de Intervención en Calle (SIC), where meals and other essential services are provided. - A tutelary apartment with seven places for autonomous living.

Collaboration with the Third Sector

The city council has also strengthened its collaboration with entities from the third sector. This includes significant financial support for projects such as those run by Cruz Roja (Red Cross) and Cáritas. For instance, the current investment in Cruz Roja's projects, such as "Comida Sobre Rueda" and the "Proyecto de Mediación con Personas Sin Hogar," approaches €300,000. Similarly, the funding for Cáritas has increased by nearly 70% over the last eight years, reaching €730,000.

Future Plans and Investments

Looking ahead, the city council plans to increase the subvention call to €1.5 million and has already allocated over €3.5 million for the cofinancing of projects with third-sector entities in 2024. This robust financial commitment underscores the city's dedication to supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring comprehensive social care.

A Model for Social Inclusion

Vargas praised the excellent work being done in the city, highlighting that Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's approach to social welfare is a model for other municipalities. The city's integrated care system, which includes both municipal and third-sector collaborations, sets a high standard for addressing social vulnerabilities and promoting inclusive social policies.

This significant investment not only reflects the city's commitment to its residents but also positions Las Palmas de Gran Canaria as a leader in social welfare within the Canary Islands.