Huelva to Open New Night Shelter with 20 Places in October

Caritas Huelva is set to open a new night shelter in the coming weeks, offering temporary housing for 20 individuals experiencing homelessness. The facility, named Nuestra Señora del Rocío, will operate from the existing day center of Caritas in Cantero Cuadrado. This initiative is made possible through a collaboration agreement with the City of Huelva, which approved a municipal grant of 45,000 euros in August for the project.

The shelter is designed as a low demand space, intended for individuals facing personal or psychosocial challenges that make it difficult to access other residential resources. It will be staffed by volunteers and technical personnel, providing a secure environment for overnight stays without requiring individuals to disclose their circumstances. The goal is to create a welcoming space where people can begin to rebuild their lives.

María Macías, president of Caritas Huelva, emphasized the importance of trust and connection in the shelter’s mission. She described the space as a place where individuals can speak openly and take the first steps toward a different future. “From here we can start to build a different life again,” she said.

The opening of the shelter coincides with an increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Huelva. According to Caritas, the population of individuals living on the streets has risen by 13% this year. This trend is attributed not only to traditional causes such as unemployment and mental health issues but also to the growing housing crisis, with many unable to afford rent.

The new shelter aims to address these challenges by providing a safe alternative to sleeping on the streets. It also seeks to facilitate connections with existing social services, both public and private, to support long-term solutions for those in need.

In addition to the Caritas initiative, the City of Huelva has approved another agreement to strengthen night care for homeless individuals. This includes a grant of 44,288.71 euros to the New Bethany Home Association for activities during the months of October, November, and December 2026.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)