The issue of homelessness in Cyprus is usually perceived as something rare or even absent.
However, official data from the Ministry of Social Protection shows a different picture: every year from 200 to 250 people in the country face lack of housing and need urgent assistance.
This statistic has become relevant again after the tragic news about the death of a woman found on the promenade in Paphos. The police are investigating the circumstances, but the social services have not yet commented — the information has not been officially confirmed.
According to Fedra Exadaktilou, a representative of the department, the number of people who find themselves homeless remains relatively stable and, by European standards, is considered low. However, trends show that the problem requires attention.
In numbers, it looks like this:
In 2022, 206 cases were reported.
In 2023 — 380 people, which was a sharp jump.
In 2024 — 225 requests.
Among those in need are Cypriots, EU citizens and people from third countries. Most of them are single people, but sometimes there are family cases. It is important to note that the statistics do not include refugees and asylum seekers, as they are handled by a separate support system.
Social services say they respond immediately: information may come from the police, municipalities, NGOs, or just concerned residents. After that, a person is provided with temporary housing — usually a hotel or a private rental room.
In addition to a roof over their heads, people get:
Financial support
Psychological help
Specialist support for the search for permanent housing
Assessment of the condition and a plan for further support
If necessary, assistance is provided on the basis of article 11 of the Law on Social Protection. At the same time, social services emphasize that state policy is aimed at preventing the spread of the phenomenon of homelessness, and not just to deal with its consequences.
Although the number of people without housing in Cyprus is significantly lower than the EU average, each case is a story with a human fate behind it. The authorities are already changing their approach: from reaction to preventive strategies and the creation of long-term conditions.
A source: in-cyprus.philenews.com
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/kipre-ezhegodno-200250-chelovek-stanovyatsya
