## Algarve's Homeless Crisis

The **Algarve** region, known for its stunning beaches, is also recognized as a **"El Dorado"** for the homeless. Elsa Morais Cardoso from the **Social Emergency Accommodation Center** in **Faro** reveals that the area has the highest percentage of people at risk of poverty in continental Portugal. 

## Maria's Journey

One poignant story is that of **Maria**, a 60-year-old woman who moved to the Algarve from **Baixo Alentejo** in 1986 seeking employment. After years of hard work in various jobs, including hospitality and cleaning, she faced health issues that led to her losing her home. After a series of unfortunate events, including a failed marriage and no family support, she found herself sleeping on the streets of **Faro**. 

Maria's experience is not unique; **Elsa** notes that the center currently has **140 beds** and a waiting list of **70 to 80 people**. The **pandemic** has exacerbated the situation, with a significant increase in demand for shelter. 

## Economic Reality

According to the **National Institute of Statistics (INE)**, nearly **22.6%** of Algarve residents are at risk of poverty. The region's high housing costs, with a room costing around **400 euros**, coupled with **precarious seasonal jobs**, contribute to this crisis. 

## The Appeal for Help

Elsa urges those at risk of homelessness to reach out to social services, emphasizing that there are resources available. The **Social Emergency Accommodation Center** aims to provide temporary shelter and work towards reintegrating individuals into society, even though the journey out of social exclusion is fraught with challenges. 

## Maria's Future

Now receiving just over **500 euros** a month from her disability pension and widow's benefits, Maria struggles to find affordable housing. She hopes to work a few hours a week ironing clothes but faces a bleak outlook. "These are my perspectives. I have no more expectations," she reflects. 

**The Algarve** may offer a warmer climate for those without homes, but the underlying economic struggles paint a stark picture of the reality many face.

A regi&#227;o de Portugal continental com maior percentagem de pessoas em risco de pobreza e exclus&#227;o social &#233; vista como um destino para quem se v&#234; obrigado a viver na rua, revela Elsa Morais Cardoso, do Centro de Alojamento de Emerg&#234;ncia Social de Faro. A hip&#243;tese de trabalhar na hotelaria, mesmo que com um contrato prec&#225;rio, &#233; um dos motivos. O clima mais ameno, que torna menos dif&#237;cil passar as noites sem um tecto, tamb&#233;m contribui para a escolha. O Centro &#233; a casa para 140 pessoas e tem mais de 80 em lista de espera.

Algarve: A Harrowing Haven for the Homeless Amidst Economic Struggles

### Beaches Reopened
Authorities have authorized swimming again at **Cabanas Velhas** and **Boca do Rio** beaches in **Algarve**, following the removal of previous restrictions due to crude oil presence. However, **Martinhal beach** remains closed due to ongoing pollution concerns.

### Background of the Situation
The beaches of Cabanas Velhas and Boca do Rio were closed to swimming on Sunday after crude oil was detected, impacting bathing waters. The decision to extend the ban to Martinhal beach came from the Regional Health Delegate of Algarve.

### Cleaning Efforts
According to Hugo da Guia, the Port Captain of Lagos, after manual cleaning efforts, monitoring over the past 36 hours showed no remaining pollution at Cabanas Velhas and Boca do Rio, leading to the lifting of restrictions. Meanwhile, at Martinhal, heavy machinery is being used for cleaning as manual efforts were not feasible, with the municipality of Vila do Bispo contracting a company for this work.

### Ongoing Investigation
The source of the pollution that prompted the beach closures remains **unknown**.

A presença de crude em duas praias de Vila do Bispo levou à interdição de banhos, já levantada. No concelho de Sagres, a vizinha Martinhal continua proibida.

Crude Oil Contamination in Algarve: Beaches Reopen, Martinhal Remains Closed

![Armação de Pêra](https://www.algarvemarafado.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/armacao_pera_foto_do_dia_jce-800x445.jpg)

**Armação de Pêra**, a picturesque village in the Algarve, has deep **roots in fishing**, which is reflected in its name. The term "Armação" refers to a **tuna fishing trap** that was used centuries ago in this region.

Situated near the village of Pêra, the area became known as **Armação de Pêra** due to its historical fishing practices. While it has evolved into a popular **tourist destination**, it has retained its **ancestral connection to fishing**. 

Interestingly, it is one of the few beaches in the Algarve where fishermen still dock their boats, making the sandy shores their home. 

*Photo and text by José Carlos Eusébio*  

**Featured Video:**  
Lagoa: Old canning factories to be transformed into hotels  

<center>
<iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://208.87.240.35/embed/0SZwcbzpvvI?si=KuNJi-jL1y24ApaK&amp;__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</center>

**Watch all our videos [here](https://208.87.240.35/?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly89)**.

Hoje é uma importante estância turística do Algarve. Mas esta é uma terra ligada desde sempre ligada à pesca. O seu nome resulta precisamente de uma armação de atum

Discover the Fishing Heritage Behind Armação de Pêra: A Hidden Gem of the Algarve

### Lisbon City Hall's Change of Heart

The Minister of the Presidency announced on Wednesday that the **Lisbon City Hall (CML)** has "**lost interest**" in repurposing the **former Military Hospital of Belém** for temporary housing for immigrants. This decision, according to the government, is respected.

"The **Mayor of Lisbon** listened to public appeals indicating that the community does not want that facility used for this purpose. We even considered the possibility of transforming it into an **intergenerational center** in the future. Nevertheless, the CML has opted for a different strategy, and we respect that," stated **António Leitão Amaro** during a parliamentary committee meeting on **Constitutional Affairs**.

In response to a question from **Bloco de Esquerda** deputy **Fabian Figueiredo**, the minister noted that the CML has sought an alternative strategy and has now **abandoned the protocol** that would have allowed the government to allocate the former military hospital for temporary immigrant accommodation.

"The government was willing to proceed; we prepared the protocol and adjusted it for future development into an intergenerational center. However, it required additional financial negotiations, which I understand the CML's hesitations about," he added.

Leitão Amaro emphasized that the government supports the CML in its initiatives, as it is indeed making significant efforts to find solutions for these individuals. "Any change in strategy by the CML is respected by the government," he concluded.

Leitão Amaro disse que a Câmara Municipal de Lisboa "deixou de ter interesse" em disponibilizar o antigo hospital Militar de Belém para acolher imigrantes. Governo diz respeitar a posição da CML.

Lisbon City Hall No Longer Interested in Using Military Hospital for Immigrant Housing, Says Government

The **Duke and Duchess of Sussex** have reportedly **purchased a property in Portugal**, marking a significant move almost two years after they were asked to vacate their Windsor residence, **Frogmore Cottage**. This new home will serve as a base in Europe, allowing the couple to easily visit friends and family during their transatlantic travels.

### Golden Visa Opportunity
This property could potentially enable them to acquire a **Golden Visa**, granting them **visa-free access** to the **European Union’s Schengen area**. Reports suggest that the couple spent time in Portugal last September, staying with **Princess Eugenie** and her husband, **Jack Brooksbank**.

### Secretive Getaway
Their visit to Portugal involved a **“mega-secret”** operation, flying from Dusseldorf to Lisbon, then heading to the coastal town of **Melides** in the **Alentejo region**. The couple's connection with Princess Eugenie remains strong, with the two families sharing enjoyable moments together, especially with their young children.

### A Trip Down Memory Lane
Harry and Meghan's bond with Eugenie dates back to when they were together in Toronto during the early days of their relationship. Their friendship continues to flourish, evidenced by their outings and shared family experiences. 

In June 2020, the Sussexes invested in a sprawling **nine-bedroom property** in **Montecito, California**, for **$14.6 million** (£11.2 million). As of now, their office has not issued a comment regarding the new purchase.

New house may allow couple to gain a so-called Golden Visa to access EU’s Schengen area

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Waves with New Property Purchase in Portugal!

## Poverty in Portugal: A Stark Reality

On the occasion of the **International Day for the Eradication of Poverty**, Pordata, the statistical database of the **Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation**, has released troubling data reflecting the current state and evolution of poverty in Portugal, one of the country's most pressing challenges.

### Key Findings
The **risk of poverty rate** saw a slight increase for the first time in seven years, rising by **0.6 percentage points** from **16.4% to 17%** in 2022. The most affected group was **children and young people**, especially those in families with dependent children. Notably, **one in ten workers** is classified as poor, and Portugal stands out in Europe for its **thermal comfort issues**, with the highest proportion of people unable to keep their homes adequately heated.

### Vulnerability of Children
**Almost one in three single-parent families** with dependent children lives on less than **€591** per month. According to the **2022 Living Conditions and Income Survey**, **1.9 million** people in Portugal were at risk of poverty, living on less than **€591** monthly. This figure rises to **2.1 million** when considering those unable to afford essential goods.

### Intensifying Poverty
The **intensity of poverty** has reached its highest increase since 2012, with **25.6%** of the poor living **25.6% below the poverty line** in 2022. This indicates a concerning depth to the poverty experienced by many.

### Employment Does Not Equal Security
Despite a slight decrease in the percentage of employed individuals living in poverty from **10.3% to 10%**, this statistic remains alarming, highlighting that having a job does not guarantee financial security.

### Housing Crisis
The **housing prices** in Portugal have more than doubled since 2015, with a staggering **106% increase**, while salaries have only increased by **35%**. Additionally, **27% of renters** face financial strain, spending over **40%** of their income on housing costs.

### European Context
Portugal has the **13th highest risk of poverty or social exclusion** in the EU, with **one in five people** affected. The statistical definitions of poverty vary across Europe, making comparisons complex. For example, the poverty line in Portugal is set at **€7,095 annually**, significantly lower than in wealthier countries like Luxembourg, where it is **€28,582**.

### Conclusion
The findings paint a stark picture of poverty in Portugal, revealing significant challenges that require urgent attention and action from policymakers and society as a whole.

A propósito de mais um Dia Internacional para a Erradicação da Pobreza, que se assinala esta quinta-feira, a Pordata, a base de dados estatísticos da Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, divulga um conjunto de dados que retratam o atual panorama e a evolução da pobreza da população em Portugal, um…

Shocking Poverty Statistics Reveal Alarming Trends for Children and Workers in Portugal

## Teachers and Educators Rally in Lisbon  
This morning, starting at 11 AM, the **Ministry of Education** in Lisbon will host a demonstration organized by the **National Federation of Teachers (Fenprof)**. The protest is aimed at contesting the regulations surrounding the allocation of funds to teachers placed far from their homes at schools identified as having a chronic shortage of educators.

Fenprof emphasized that, following the establishment of relocation support for teachers in only **234 School Groups/Non-Grouped Schools (AE/EnA)**, there is widespread **indignation among teachers** in the remaining **574 schools**. Some of these teachers are stationed in AE/EnA that are even farther from their homes than those covered by **Decree-Law 57-A/2024**, dated September 3. Moreover, even those placed in the 234 AE/EnA under this measure believe that the support amount falls significantly short of their actual expenses, which include travel and accommodation costs.

In another aspect, Fenprof has criticized the **6.8% increase** in the budget allocated to Education for the **2025 State Budget**, arguing that it is insufficient to resolve the sector’s issues. They stated, “With this low level of funding, the problems in education will not be solved,” in reference to the government’s proposed **2025 State Budget (OE2025)** submitted to parliament on Thursday.

The government plans to allocate a **total consolidated expenditure of €7.47 billion** for education, with the majority (78.4%) designated for **personnel expenses**. Fenprof underscores that this amount, in relation to GDP, remains significantly below international recommendations for education investment, labeling the sector's underfunding as a **“chronic problem.”**

Regarding personnel expenses, which will grow by **3.3%** compared to this year’s forecast, Fenprof asserts that this increase is inadequate to implement the measures approved this year aimed at enhancing the teaching career, including the recovery of service time frozen during the **troika** intervention.

Consequently, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation is said to be merely managing the funds resulting from the anticipated retirement of approximately **200 million euros** worth of educators and teachers, according to the federation.

In addition to recovering service time, Fenprof points out the additional burdens arising from the repositioning of thousands of teachers entering the career, the hiring of new teachers, support for displaced teachers, and incentives to attract educators to more disadvantaged schools.

On another note, the union structure criticizes some of the six strategic objectives defined for the coming years in the OE2025 proposal, particularly the new model for external evaluation that replaces old assessment tests with **Learning Monitoring Tests (ModA)** in the 4th and 6th grades.

They argue that “it will not impact the quality of learning, as this will only occur with improved working conditions in schools, which is not included among the six objectives outlined in the OE2025 proposal.”

Fenprof also questions the direction of **digitalization** and the revision of competencies within education, particularly regarding the roles of schools, municipalities, and the Ministry itself. They anticipate that the proclaimed **autonomy for schools**, alongside enhanced municipal competencies, will primarily serve to lighten the responsibilities of the central government.

Regarding early childhood education, representatives of educators and teachers advocate for the creation of a **public network of nurseries**, which they deem essential to meet the needs of all families, along with the universalization of preschool education for children from the age of three.

Governo aumentou a verba destinada à Educação em 6,8%, prevendo uma despesa total consolidada de 7,47 mil milhões de euros, a maioria para pagar “despesas com pessoal”, que representam 78,4% do orçamento

Subscribe our Newsletter

Today Portugal Articles Digested