Rudy and Ana share testimonies on housing crisis in Gran Canaria

Rudy Alorriga and Ana del Pino have become symbols of the housing crisis in Gran Canaria, sharing their personal struggles with homelessness and the urgent need for stable shelter. Their stories, shared during a national day of protest organized by the Catholic Church’s Caritas organization, highlight the human cost of housing insecurity. The event, held in Santa Catalina de Las Palmas park, brought attention to the plight of those living on the margins of society.

Ana del Pino, a retired woman, spent two and a half years sleeping at Gran Canaria airport before finding temporary shelter through Caritas. Her experience reflects the broader reality of many individuals who lose their homes due to economic hardship, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances. Similarly, Rudy Alorriga, a young Nicaraguan, has faced the challenges of homelessness firsthand, offering his testimony as a voice for those who remain unseen.

Caritas, the organization providing support, reported that last year it assisted 1,604 homeless individuals and 356 families at risk of losing their homes across Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. As of September 30, 2026, the organization has provided aid to 1,038 people and 256 families, many of whom are employed but still face the threat of eviction. These figures underscore the growing demand for housing assistance and the limitations of current support systems.

Eugenia Rocha, head of Caritas’ housing initiative in the province, described the extreme conditions faced by the most vulnerable. She noted the chronic nature of homelessness, particularly among unemployed men with mental health issues or addictions, many of whom have been on the streets for over five years. Rocha also highlighted the normalization of substandard living conditions, such as caravans, sheds, or commercial premises, which are not fit for human habitation.

The organization emphasizes that many of its clients have precarious jobs or rely on financial benefits that are insufficient to cover housing costs. This situation is especially challenging for mothers with children, who often bear the brunt of instability and lack of support. Rocha’s testimony reveals the systemic failures that leave individuals and families in a cycle of insecurity and despair.

The housing crisis in Gran Canaria and other Canary Islands regions is not merely a local issue but a reflection of broader societal challenges. The stories of Rudy and Ana serve as a reminder of the human faces behind the statistics, calling for compassion, policy reform, and community action. As the crisis deepens, the need for sustainable solutions becomes increasingly urgent.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)