Pamplona parking lot becomes overnight shelter for homeless people

In Pamplona, Spain, the landscape of nighttime shelter for homeless individuals has shifted over the years, moving from traditional facilities to tents along the Arga River in the Aranzadi park or San Jorge neighborhood. Past instances have also included occupations of the Agustinas convent and the old Jaso ikastola in Echavacoiz. A recent development involves the use of a public underground parking facility as a sleeping area, marking a new alternative for those without stable housing.

The specific location is the underground parking lot adjacent to the Plaza de Toros, one of three main municipal-owned facilities with private management in the city center. Residents who hold administrative concessions to park their vehicles permanently on floor minus three have raised concerns about the situation. At least five people reportedly arrive daily to spend the night, while others remain there throughout the day, settling in the corners of the side walls or in areas without vehicles.

Access to this particular floor is notably easier than at the other two facilities, Carlos III and Plaza del Castillo, because the door opens without a code or key. This lack of restricted access may explain why the phenomenon is more pronounced here, whereas in the other lots, which are intended for subscribers, such occurrences are described as almost anecdotal and limited to rotation areas where staff can more easily encounter and evict individuals.

Witnesses have described the conditions on floor minus three, noting strong odors of urine, particularly near the final stretch of the stairs and along the side walls. Jesús Otazu Juanco, who has a parking space in a different part of the lot, stated that his brother, who leaves his car on the lower floor, finds four or five people there every day. This individual indicated that the situation has persisted for at least six months.

Fermín Casado Armendáriz, another witness, confirmed that the smell of urine has become common and that there are even more instances of such conditions. He noted that while there are traces of garbage, such as beer cans and paper wrappers, there have been no reported problems of coexistence between the residents and the people using the space for shelter. The area also contains cartons, which some individuals pick up to prevent them from being removed.

The transformation of shelter spaces in Pamplona highlights the ongoing challenge of housing insecurity and the need for adequate care for vulnerable neighbors. As individuals seek refuge in public infrastructure, the community is called to recognize their dignity and the necessity of structured support systems. This situation underscores the importance of accountability in public spaces and the moral imperative to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness with compassion and justice, reflecting the call to care for the least of these as outlined in Matthew 25:35.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)