Beja to launch emergency housing for homeless population

The Beja district in Portugal will implement a structured emergency housing and support system for homeless individuals starting in November. The initiative, titled ‘Viver’, is being promoted by the association Estar, a private institution of social solidarity (IPSS) based in Beja.

The project received funding through the Alentejo 2030 Regional Program, with an investment exceeding 610,000 euros. Approximately 85% of the funding will be provided by the European Social Fund Plus. The program is scheduled to run for 36 months, concluding in December 2029.

According to Estar president Madalena Palma, the district has faced high rates of homelessness alongside limited public emergency housing options. The ‘Viver’ project aims to address this gap by deploying multidisciplinary teams to provide continuous individual intervention plans and establishing an emergency residence to ensure dignified care.