Cáritas Huelva announces new training center and shelter for homeless people in 2026-2027 academic year

Maria Macías, president of Cáritas Huelva, has outlined key initiatives for the 2026-2027 academic year, emphasizing efforts to enhance social inclusion and support for vulnerable groups in Huelva. Among these efforts is the launch of a new training center named San José, set to open at the end of the month in the former headquarters of the organization in Santa Marta. This facility includes training classrooms and a 100 square meter kitchen, designed to offer courses aimed at improving the skills of participants. The goal is to train more than 100 individuals in the past fiscal year, with a focus on providing higher quality training, as stated by Macías.

Cáritas Huelva collaborates with local companies in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, and home help, where students complete their professional training. The results from the previous year show that 100% of students who completed the hospitality course are now employed during the summer beach campaigns in Huelva. This partnership underscores the organization’s commitment to employability and practical experience for those seeking to improve their circumstances.

In addition to the training center, Cáritas Huelva is set to sign an agreement with the City Council of Huelva to establish the Our Lady of Rocío shelter. This shelter, located next to the organization’s headquarters in a church house donated for the purpose, will provide overnight rest for 20 homeless individuals. The shelter is designed to offer a safe and trusting environment, where individuals can find support without needing to provide detailed information about their stay. Macías described the shelter as a starting point for rebuilding lives, emphasizing the importance of a supportive space for those in need.

The initiative comes in response to a 13% increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness in Huelva this year. Macías highlighted that the current housing crisis affects not only those who are unemployed but also individuals with jobs who struggle to afford rent. This growing challenge underscores the need for comprehensive support systems, including both training and shelter services, to address the root causes of homelessness and provide pathways to stability.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)