Santa Cruz Secures €400,000 Subsidy to Strengthen Social Services and Combat Poverty
The City Council of Santa Cruz has announced a significant boost to its social services, thanks to a €400,000 subsidy granted by the Department of social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children, and Families. Managed by regional councilor Candelaria Delgado, this funding will support the municipality’s efforts to reinforce basic social benefits and combat poverty over the next two years (2024–2025). The subsidy is part of a protocol signed with the Canarian Federation of Municipalities (Fecam), marking a collaborative step toward addressing pressing social challenges.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasized the importance of this aid, stating, “this type of aid and economic support from other administrations comes to collaborate with the social investment made by this City Council, which in this year’s budget exceeds 32 million euros.” He further highlighted the positive relationship with the Ministry of the Government of the Canary islands, noting their awareness of the municipality’s catalog of services designed to support vulnerable families across the Canary Islands.
Charín González, head of the Department of Social Action, outlined the specific actions funded by the subsidy.These include providing Details and Guidance to ensure equitable access to social resources, offering specialized advice on social issues, and delivering Home Help to individuals or families facing challenges such as psycho-family conflict or personal crises. González added that the subsidy will also support “the provision of accommodation and coexistence in situations of personal or family crisis.”
The funding will further address broader social issues, including the prevention of marginalization and social exclusion. González explained, “Thay are also included in the provision of prevention and social insertion of individuals, families, or groups that are in a process of marginalization or social exclusion to promote involvement, participation, and the strengthening of a community’s networks.” Additionally, the subsidy will fund initiatives to digitize social service procedures, activate new digital channels, and implement the Information System for Users of Social Services (SIUSS).
The subsidy’s scope extends to housing support, covering expenses such as rental assistance for those at risk of eviction, home adaptations for individuals with disabilities, and alternative accommodations for the homeless. It also includes coverage for essential utilities like electricity, water, and gas, as well as basic needs such as food, personal hygiene products, medications, and clothing.
To summarize the key areas of impact, here’s a breakdown of the subsidy’s allocation:
| Area of Support | Details |
|———————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Information and Guidance | Equitable access to social resources and specialized advice. |
| Home Help | Assistance for individuals or families in crisis or conflict situations. |
| Housing Support | Rental assistance,home adaptations,and alternative accommodations. |
| Basic needs | Food, hygiene products, medications, clothing, and utility coverage. |
| Digitalization of Services | Implementation of SIUSS and activation of new digital channels. |
This subsidy not only reinforces existing services but also introduces innovative approaches to care, such as telematic modalities like telephone support, video calls, and tutorials. These advancements aim to enhance accessibility and efficiency in delivering social services.
As Santa cruz continues to prioritize social welfare, this funding represents a critical step in addressing the needs of its most vulnerable residents. For more information on how to access these services, visit the Housing Authority of Santa Cruz or the Human Services Department.
The city Council’s commitment to social investment, combined with this new subsidy, underscores its dedication to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community. As Mayor Bermúdez aptly put it, “We value vrey positively the predisposition of the Ministry of the Government of the Canary Islands,” a sentiment that reflects the collaborative spirit driving these initiatives forward.
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The City Council of Santa Cruz has recently secured a €400,000 subsidy to bolster its social services and combat poverty over the next two years. This funding, granted by the department of social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children, and families, marks a meaningful step in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. To delve deeper into the implications of this subsidy, we sat down with Dr. Elena Morales, a renowned expert in social policy and community advancement, to discuss how this funding will impact Santa Cruz and its residents.
The meaning of the €400,000 Subsidy
Senior Editor: Dr.Morales,thank you for joining us today. To start, could you explain why this €400,000 subsidy is such a critical development for Santa Cruz?
Dr. Elena Morales: Absolutely.This subsidy is a game-changer for Santa Cruz as it directly addresses the growing need for social services in the community.With rising living costs and economic challenges, many families are struggling to meet basic needs. This funding will allow the city to expand its support systems, ensuring that vulnerable populations—such as low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities—have access to essential resources. It’s not just about providing immediate relief; it’s about creating enduring solutions to combat poverty and social exclusion.
Key Areas of Impact: Housing, home Help, and Basic Needs
Senior Editor: The subsidy will fund several initiatives, including housing support, home help, and basic needs assistance. can you elaborate on how these programs will work?
Dr. Elena Morales: Certainly. Housing support is a cornerstone of this initiative. The subsidy will provide rental assistance to families at risk of eviction, adapt homes for individuals with disabilities, and offer option accommodations for the homeless. These measures are crucial because stable housing is the foundation for addressing othre social issues, such as employment and mental health.
Home help services will also play a vital role. This includes providing assistance to families dealing with personal crises or psycho-family conflicts. Such as,trained professionals will offer counseling,mediation,and practical support to help families navigate challenging situations.
the subsidy will cover basic needs like food, hygiene products, medications, and clothing.These are frequently enough the first things families sacrifice when facing financial hardship, so ensuring access to these essentials is a priority.
Senior Editor: One of the more innovative aspects of this subsidy is the focus on digitizing social services. How will this improve accessibility and efficiency?
Dr.Elena Morales: Digitalization is a critical step forward. by implementing the Information System for Users of Social Services (SIUSS) and activating new digital channels,the city can streamline processes and make services more accessible to residents.as an example, individuals can apply for assistance online, access resources through video calls, or receive tutorials on navigating social programs.
This approach not only reduces administrative burdens but also ensures that services reach those who may face barriers to in-person visits, such as individuals with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. It’s about meeting people where they are and making support as accessible as possible.
Collaboration and Community Involvement
Senior Editor: Mayor bermúdez emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Ministry of the Government of the canary Islands. How does this partnership strengthen the impact of the subsidy?
Dr. Elena Morales: Collaboration is key to the success of any social initiative. The partnership between the City Council and the Ministry ensures that resources are allocated effectively and that programs are aligned with broader regional goals. It also reflects a shared commitment to addressing social challenges holistically.
Moreover, this collaboration fosters community involvement. By strengthening local networks and encouraging participation, the city can create a more inclusive surroundings where residents feel empowered to contribute to solutions. This sense of ownership is essential for long-term success.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Goals and Challenges
Senior Editor: What are the long-term goals of this subsidy, and what challenges might Santa Cruz face in achieving them?
Dr. Elena Morales: The ultimate goal is to create a more equitable and resilient community where no one is left behind. This means not only addressing immediate needs but also investing in prevention and social inclusion. Such as, programs aimed at preventing marginalization and promoting community engagement will help break the cycle of poverty.
However, challenges remain. ensuring that resources reach those who need them most requires careful planning and ongoing evaluation. There’s also the need to adapt to changing circumstances, such as economic fluctuations or emerging social issues. But with strong leadership, collaboration, and community support, Santa Cruz is well-positioned to overcome these challenges.
Final thoughts: A Step Toward a More Inclusive Future
Senior Editor: Dr. Morales, as we wrap up, what message would you like to leave our readers with regarding this initiative?
Dr. Elena Morales: I would say that this subsidy represents more than just financial support—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing social challenges. By investing in housing, basic needs, and digitalization, Santa Cruz is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and supportive community.
But the success of this initiative ultimately depends on all of us. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply spreading awareness, everyone has a role to play in building a brighter future for Santa Cruz.
For more information on how to access these services, visit the Housing Authority of Santa Cruz or the Human Services Department. together, we can make a difference.
