A family with two young children, including an autistic child, was evicted from their home on Petxina Street in Barcelona's El Raval district on Thursday morning. This action proceeded despite protests from housing unions and neighbourhood groups, who had previously tried to halt the eviction last Friday.
The family, with children aged five and eight, has been part of the Emergency Housing Table for three years, according to Anna Pérez, a member of the Docents 080 collective. Pérez stated that municipal services were due to offer the family an alternative home within months. She added that the property owner refused requests to delay the eviction, reportedly planning to convert the flats into seasonal rentals.
Barcelona City Council confirmed the family's connection with the Ciutat Vella Housing Office and SIPHO since 2022. Municipal sources reported that officials attempted to mediate with the property owner throughout this period. In 2024, the council proposed a payment agreement for the family until a new flat could be allocated, but the owner rejected this. City services again suggested a transactional agreement in February 2026, allowing the family to stay by paying a mutually agreed amount directly. The owner also rejected this proposal, consistently prioritising their plans for the property.
Council Efforts and Property Owner's Stance
The Ajuntament de Barcelona stated it tried to reach an agreement until the very last moment, but the owner consistently refused. "The property owner maintained their desire to continue with the judicial procedure at all times, and after several postponements, the eviction took place this morning," the council explained. This situation highlights the ongoing housing crisis in El Raval, a densely populated area within the Ciutat Vella district, home to over 100,000 residents. Many families in the district struggle with rising rents and the conversion of residential properties into tourist or seasonal accommodation, which often displaces long-term residents.
Emergency Accommodation Provided
Following the eviction, the family received an initial offer of emergency accommodation at the Emergency and Social Urgencies Centre of Barcelona (CUESB). The council will now assess options for Temporary Emergency Accommodation (ATU) or financial support. This assistance aims to help the family find more stable housing in the coming weeks. The case underscores the challenges faced by vulnerable families in Barcelona's competitive housing market.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
