Expanded count includes vehicles and ruins

On the night of 27 October 2026, Tarragona will carry out its seventh annual count of people sleeping on the streets. This year’s exercise will include individuals sleeping in cars, caravans, tents, ruined buildings and parking lots, a significant expansion from previous years which focused mainly on those sleeping outdoors. The initiative is led by the Municipal Institute of Social Services of Tarragona (IMSST) and the Comprehensive Care Network for Homeless People in Tarragona, a coalition of 22 organisations and the local authority.

Joining national effort for accurate data

Tarragona has joined a nationwide night-time count project coordinated by Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda. This alignment allows for standardised data collection across municipalities, enabling a more accurate national picture of homelessness. The expanded criteria aim to capture a fuller understanding of housing vulnerability, particularly among those living in temporary or unsafe shelters.

  • The count will take place after dark on 27 October 2026.
  • About 100 volunteers are needed and will work in teams of three.
  • Volunteers are being recruited via the IMSST website.

Coordinated safety and outreach effort

For safety and effectiveness, emergency and social services will support the volunteers. The Urban Guard, Civil Protection Department, Tarragona Civil Protection Volunteers Association, the Red Cross and Caritas will form special teams to inspect high-risk or enclosed areas such as parking structures and encampments. Sílvia Orts, councillor for Civil Protection, stated:

“This kind of count requires extensive organisation and planning, and above all, the involvement of many people and services working together.”

Councillor Cecilia Mangini, responsible for Social Services, highlighted the city’s progress in moving people from the streets into emergency and social housing, calling it “the result of a collective effort.” While no official estimate has been released, city officials believe the number of people experiencing homelessness may rise compared to last year’s 80 identified individuals, a trend linked to the ongoing housing crisis. The data collected will inform future social programmes and housing policies.

Primary sources: bcnroc.ajuntament.barcelona.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, barcelona.cat. Reported by tarragonaradio.cat, tarragona.cat, laciutat.cat, altafullaradio.cat, 2.cruzroja.es, Tarragona Ràdio.