Dozens of families evicted from an illegal campsite in Mataró are pleading for long-term housing solutions after their emergency accommodation ran out. While some spent nights in cars or with relatives, others say they feel stigmatised as criminals despite being victims of fraud.
The site, located in the area of Les Cinc Sènies, had housed residents in caravans and prefabricated homes, many of whom had paid rent or even purchased plots from untraceable managers. Among them are José Manuel, a pensioner living on €560 a month, and his partner Mari, who requires dialysis three times a week. Their caravan cost €300 a month in rent. Another couple, Òscar and Carmen, paid €7,000 for a prefabricated house and now feel cheated.
Residents complain that they are now labelled as ‘delinquents’ or ‘squatters’ despite being defrauded. Miguel, who had lived in a small self-built home for three years, fears losing all his possessions. The council has allowed limited access for residents to collect belongings and has promised further social support.
Local authorities have accelerated timelines to provide case-by-case assessment, but many argue the emergency response is insufficient given the depth of the crisis. Social services in Mataró are holding urgent meetings with affected families, yet uncertainty remains over where they will live in the coming weeks.
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