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  2. Homeless people
  3. Have you seen someone on the street?

Practical information

In Catalonia, there are many people who live on the street because they don’t have a home where they feel protected. They are our neighbors and we often see them when we are going about our day. We suggest you stop glancing by and overcome the fear of approaching them. Can you imagine calling them by their name every morning? Your gesture can make a difference and help to improve their situation.

What to do if you see someone on the street

  • Greet them with “Bon dia” or “Bona nit”
    Just saying hello or goodbye to someone is a friendly, non-judgmental way of acknowledging their presence. But remember that some homeless people go for days without ever speaking to anyone, so don’t give up if at first they don’t answer. The next time you pass them, try again
  • Ask how they are (“Com estàs?”)
    When you talk to a homeless person, speak quietly and respectfully. Don’t frighten them by getting too close or standing over them; if they’re sitting down, squat so you can be in the same space as they are. Sometimes, offering someone a cigarette or a cup of coffee is a simple, non-threatening way to strike up a conversation and find out more about how they are.
  • Ask what they need (“Què necessites?”)
    The person you’re talking to may need a blanket or a sandwich or they may just want to chat for a while. Ask them what they need but don’t get upset if it’s not something you can help with in that moment. Sometimes, just being there, talking to them and giving them company can mean more than giving things.
  • Ask what you can do (“Puc fer alguna cosa per ajudar-te?”)
    Helping someone get off the street is a long and complicated process that doesn’t have to be your responsibility. You can do more by telling them about the different services they have at their disposal and the places they can go for help. Some of the people you talk to may already be using these services; those that don’t will benefit from knowing about them.

Practical information to guide people living on the street

In Barcelona, there are different resources available to people who live on the street, but they are insufficient at attending to all existing necessities. In the majority of municipalities in Catalonia, there are not enough services or specific resources for people living on the street.

If the person lives on the street in the city of Barcelona

  • You have to contact the Social Integration Service (SIS) to explain your situation.
    Paseo Pujades 29, Barcelona | 93 256 66 50.
  • If you are a foreigner, living without permission of residence, and have lived in Spain for less than two years, you have to contact the Care Service for Immigrants, Emigrants, and Refugees (SAIER).
    Calle Tarragona 141, Barcelona | 93 153 28 00.
  • Wondering where to eat? Where to shower? Where to rest?
    The guide “Living on the street in Barcelona” recognizes different services that people can go to directly to cover basic needs. It includes information about their opening hours, the specific resources offered, and also whether it’s possible to access the services with animals. You can use this resource to help guide the person.
  • You can also notify Arrels through our locator. When notified, we send out our street team and work online with other teams in the city to seek out the best way to address the situation. Remember that Arrels’ street team only works in Barcelona and prioritizes visiting people that are found in the most vulnerable situations. Download the app on Android or IOS.
  • If you see minors sleeping on the street, call 112 or advice the Barcelona Social Emergencies Center (CUESB): 900 70 30 30
  • If the person that you see on the street doesn’t pay attention to you or you find it difficult to talk with them, you can call the Social Integration Service, SIS (Tel. 93 256 66 50) or notify City Hall through their online service attention. You can also contact us at Arrels through our orientation service (Tel. 93 829 58 55).

If the person lives on the street in another municipality 

  • They can contact the City Hall or go to the corresponding social services to explain their situation. If they are not registered, they can ask someone to facilitate this process. All of the Catalan municipalities are obligated by law to register their residents, whether or not they have a home.

If the person is not well 

  • If you see a person lying on the ground and you think that they aren’t doing well, call 112 and ask for an ambulance. 

If the person has been the victim of a crime or assault 

  • Contact the legal team at Arrels to seek guidance: 635 43 94 00. You can use Whatsapp.

To break prejudices!

Why does a person find themselves on the street? Do they want to live on the street? We invite you to confront common myths around homelessness and change your perspective.