Girona has counted 201 people sleeping rough, almost double the 111 recorded two years ago and more than triple the 60 counted a decade ago. The city council says the figures point to a worsening housing problem in the Catalan city.
The count was organised by Girona City Council with support from the Red Cross and around 150 volunteers. Amy Sabaly, Girona's Councillor for Equality and Social Justice, said the council needs to keep investing in support for homeless people, and hopes a new low-intensity centre will be ready soon because La Sopa, the city's main reception centre, is currently overwhelmed.
South Eixample saw the sharpest rise, with the number of people sleeping rough increasing from six in 2024 to 56. That district now accounts for 25% of Girona's total homeless population. Barri Vell also saw an increase, with 33 people counted, up by eleven from two years ago, while North Eixample recorded 27.
Most other districts also saw higher numbers. Santa Eugènia was the exception, with the count falling from 29 to 18, although it still had the fourth-highest total in the city. The council said the pattern shows homelessness is spreading across more parts of Girona.
For the first time, Salt also carried out a count, working with the Salt Social Welfare Consortium. Volunteers identified 34 homeless people there, aged between 22 and 67, across six zones including Barri Vell, Barri del Veïnat and Barri de la Massana. Thirty people took part in the operation.
Sabaly said the profile of people sleeping rough has changed over the past ten to fifteen years. She said many now have jobs, and some have savings, but still cannot access housing or even a room. She argued that housing policy needs to make it easier for people with resources to secure a home and move out of marginalisation. More Catalonia news
