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Date Published: 15/01/2025

Murcia ramps up support for the homeless in freezing weather

Volunteer and municipal teams are providing shelter, supplies and hot meals as temperatures drop below freeezing

The municipality of Murcia has intensified its efforts to assist the homeless as temperatures in the Region drop to lows of 2–3°C at night.

Under the initiative imaginatively titled ‘Operación Frío’, the Mobile Emergency and Social Care Service (SEMAS) is providing vital resources to those living on the streets, including blankets, sleeping bags, hot food and drinks, alongside transportation to local shelters.

This programme, activated whenever temperatures fall below 5°C, aims to reduce the risks associated with exposure to extreme cold. Teams comprising a social worker, a Local Police officer, a coordinator and volunteers work collaboratively to offer information, guidance on available social services, and direct support to homeless people.

The operation is run by Murcia city council’s Department of Social Welfare, Family and Health, in partnership with non-profit organisations.

Since the “cold season” began in mid-December, SEMAS has provided 113 services to the homeless in Murcia. These include the distribution of 88 hot meals and drinks, 28 sleeping bags, six blankets and four transfers to the Jesús Abandonado Shelter.

Last November, the council released a new collaborative initiative with homelessness charities to keep closer track of homeless populations to better be able to offer them housing and employment services that they need.

The intensified response to the recent cold spell has once again underscored the city’s commitment to safeguarding its vulnerable residents, and authorities continue to urge the public to support these efforts by raising awareness and directing those in need to the appropriate services.

Images: Ayuntamiento de Murcia

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