In Barcelona, more than 2,000 people sleep on the streets every night, and this shelter has been providing basic daytime services for 40 years to people who have nowhere to sleep at night.
Amid the beauty of Modernism and the bustle of its streets, in Barcelona we often walk right past them, our eyes fixed on our destination, oblivious to the realities living right beside us. Life stories that, due to an unexpected turn of events, have ended up on the sidewalk. As Eva, a volunteer with the Arrels Foundation, says, “often they are people just like you and me, who once had a job, who once had a family.”
It’s an uncomfortable truth, but it’s essential to remember it. And that’s where organizations like Arrels Fundació become a beacon. For nearly 40 years, this organization has not only provided basic services but has woven a network of humanity to restore dignity to the homeless, where a simple “How are you?” can be the first step toward a fresh start.
A shelter where every life counts
Arrels’ work goes far beyond material assistance. As Eva explains, the services are, in reality, “an excuse to establish a connection with the person.” It all begins in the “pact” space, where volunteers sit down with each individual to listen to their needs . It’s not a formality to find out if they need clothes or hygiene products, but a moment to connect and offer a sincere conversation.
One of the most vital services is the storage facility, a unique space in Barcelona where people can store their belongings. For someone living on the street, carrying everything they own is an enormous physical and emotional burden. Here, among shelves crammed with suitcases, more than just objects are stored. “Here are all the lives of all these people. They aren’t suitcases; they’re more than suitcases: they’re lives,” Eva emphasizes.
The day center is a place of respite. It features a rest area with lounge chairs, because “think about it—they’ve spent the night on the street.” It also offers a clothing service , where donations of clothes and shoes are distributed, always giving people a choice so they can regain their ability to decide. Additionally, they have a pharmacy, a hair salon, and a podiatry clinic—essential care for health and self-esteem.
An invitation not to look away
In a city like Barcelona, where, according to the May 2024 count, some 2,000 people sleep rough, the work of organizations like Arrels is essential. But real change begins with each one of us. It starts with a gesture as simple and yet as powerful as not looking away.
Eva’s final message is a call to action: “What I’d like is for you to look at a person living on the streets the next time you see one in your neighborhood, in your city, or wherever you are.” Look, acknowledge the other person, and if possible, ask how they’re doing. Because above all, they are people with a story that deserves our attention and respect.
