Every night, near 80 thousand people sleep in the streets of São PauloBrazil, a reflection of a housing crisis that worsens over time, while neoliberal policies continue without offering effective solutions. This is what Ignacio Lemus, correspondent for Telesur, who has closely documented this reality.
“A house would change everything. It would allow us to work, gather our families and live with dignity. Here we go hungry, thirst, sun and rain”; Said Neto, one of the people affected by this situation.
In response, the Brazilian government activated a housing program that covers 100 % of the cost of acquiring housing for homeless people. These properties are part of the plan My house, my lifeand 3 % of built properties will be allocated to those who live in a street situation. In addition, actions are incorporated that seek to guarantee employment and school inclusion for their children.
El Minister of Las Ciuities, Jader Barbalho Filhohe informed that the program has already begun to be implemented in 38 cities with high concentration of homeless people. Once the works reach 50 % advancethe municipalities will be obliged to reserve part of the homes for this purpose.
Brazil needs registration of empty spaces to act effectively
Despite urban growth, São Paulo maintains a low population density. The main cause: real estate speculationwhich leaves more empty homes than homeless people.
The priest Julio Lancelotti, reference in the defense of the rights of people in street situations, he warned that this phenomenon will be extended in other countries if the neoliberal model persists. For its part, the Polis Institute alerts that Brazil lacks updated data on idle urban spaces, which limits the effectiveness of structural housing policies.
