According to the movement leading the Santa Clara Parish Council on São Miguel Island, the establishment of the Temporary Reception Center in 2018, featuring two units—one operated by Caritas for individuals recovering from addiction, and another by the Novo Dia Association for homeless shelters—has resulted in issues.
“Time has shown that these two units, operating together in the same building and near a residential area, were not a sound political and social decision,” stated spokeswoman Rita Mota.
The movement observed an “increase in drug addiction, prostitution, trafficking, crime, and visual degradation in the parish due to public consumption” over time.
“The fact is that days, months, and years—it’s fair to say now—are passing, and the situation of homelessness, drug addiction, and indigence in our parish’s public spaces is growing exponentially. We know this problem is not exclusive to Santa Clara, but for this group of citizens, what’s important is the quality of life, well-being, and safety,” she emphasized.
Therefore, as Rita Mota further mentioned, the movement advocates for the creation of a rehabilitation center for the homeless away from the residential areas of the parish, transforming the Temporary Reception Center building into an Intergenerational Center, with a daycare facility for the elderly.
The same space should also include a nursery and kindergarten, “providing social support to the younger population” and offering a “safe place for parents to leave their children,” she added.
The movement’s open letter was sent to the President of the Azores Government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM), the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, the Regional Health Director, the Regional Director for Social Solidarity, the Regional Director for Addiction Prevention and Combat, and the Mayor of Ponta Delgada.
