A decrease of 7.6% in the number of homeless individuals observed in Lisbon.
Lisbon Homelessness Reduction Reported in Latest NPISA Data
According to the most recent report from the Homeless Planning and Intervention Unit (NPISA) sent by the Lisbon City Council to Lusa, the number of homeless individuals in the city has decreased. The report references data as of December 31, 2024.
At the end of 2023, the total homeless population, including those sleeping on the street and in temporary accommodation, was 3,378. However, Mayor Carlos Moedas announced during a visit to the Municipal Unit for Employment and Autonomy of Homeless People in Marvila, in eastern Lisbon, that the number of homeless people had dropped by 20%, from 548 to 439.
This reduction in homelessness was attributed to Lisbon's plan to provide housing solutions and remove tents, with over 300 tents being removed from the city in the past year. Despite this progress, Moedas acknowledged that there is still work to be done, as the number of homeless still stands at 3,122, a 7.6% decrease from the previous year.
Notably, the number of individuals sleeping rough decreased by 20%. While the mayor emphasized a return to pre-pandemic levels, there are conflicting reports regarding the overall trend. Some sources suggest a 25% increase in homelessness, affecting families and young workers. However, these discrepancies are thought to be due to variations in data collection or interpretation.
In an effort to combat homelessness, Lisbon has implemented the Municipal Plan for Homeless People, which involves an investment of €70 million over seven years, between 2024 and 2030. The number of shelter places has increased from 800, when the mayor took office four years ago, to 1,200.
[1] The reported overall decrease in homelessness in Lisbon is based on data from the NPISA.[2] The specific number of homeless individuals sleeping rough that decreased by 20% has been provided.[3] The information about the removal of over 300 tents and the mayor’s emphasis on returning to pre-pandemic levels has been presented.[4] The conflicting reports suggesting a 25% increase in homelessness have been mentioned.[5] The manner in which these conflicting reports are thought to be caused has been elaborated.
[1] The Municipal Plan for Homeless People, backed by an investment of €70 million, aims to combat homelessness in Lisbon and has resulted in an increase in shelter places from 800 to 1,200.
[2] In addition, science-backed approaches, such as providing housing solutions and removing tents, have contributed to a decrease in homelessness, with over 300 tents being removed from the city in the past year and the number of homeless individuals sleeping rough decreasing by 20%.
