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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [POLITICS]

6 clusters · 32 sources · 34 days · First seen about 1 month ago · Last updated 1 day ago

Spin Time building occupation and housing crisis in Rome

Overview

The Spin Time building in Rome, located on Via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, was evacuated in late July following a fire. This left approximately 150 to 200 people, including children, the elderly, and activists, living in street protests. In response to the displacement, director Berardo Carboni provided 500 free cinema tickets to the occupants. As the situation progressed, British filmmaker Ken Loach expressed solidarity with the community, noting the difficult conditions faced by those forced onto the streets. Loach, who has previously visited the center, expressed his sorrow regarding the fire and the hardships faced by those living on the streets, particularly children. While Rome Capitale and social protection services identified temporary housing for 120 people, many residents have refused alternative housing located far from the Esquilino district. Residents have objected to these relocations, citing the potential disruption of community ties and schooling. Although the municipality previously attempted to purchase the building from the company Investire, the offer was rejected. The situation has evolved into a humanitarian crisis as the building remains under seizure. While the city has relocated approximately 120 people, at least 150 residents remain on-site in makeshift tents. Political tensions have intensified; some officials have raised security concerns following the discovery of drugs on the premises, while activists denounce the crisis as a combination of political failure and real estate speculation. As of August 2026, the crisis has deepened. Negotiations between the City of Rome and the owner, Investire SGR, have reached a deadlock. While the municipality proposed purchasing the building to facilitate a safe return, the owner rejected the offer, citing the building’s uninhabitable state. Investire SGR has offered 500,000 euros to assist with temporary housing, though activists claim this is insufficient compared to the 800,000 euros estimated by city technicians for necessary safety repairs.

Entities

Spin Time · Spin Time · Investire SGR · Roberto Gualtieri · Rome

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Medical professionals assisting the displaced report increasing psychological distress among those living in street camps.
[● 3 SOURCES] The building had been occupied by approximately 400 people for thirteen years prior to the recent fire and evacuation.
[● 2 SOURCES] The property owner, Investire SGR, rejected the municipality's purchase offer, citing the building's uninhabitable condition.
[● 2 SOURCES] Activists claim the only way to resolve the crisis is for Investire SGR to sell the building to establish a cooperative housing model.
[● 2 SOURCES] The property owner has made 500,000 euros available to the City of Rome to assist with temporary housing costs.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Rome's municipal administration has found alternative housing for approximately 160 people from the Spin Time community.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Police discovered and seized 700 grams of hashish inside the Spin Time building during an inspection.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Municipal technicians estimate that 800,000 euros would be required for works to make the building safe.

Timeline

1 day ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Rome students protest for Spin Time and educational rights
Students in Rome demonstrated to support Spin Time and demand better educational conditions, citing rising costs of living and school materials as barriers to the right to study.
6 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Spin Time community sparks debate over Rome housing crisis
The displacement of the Spin Time community in Rome has ignited a debate over housing rights, urban regeneration, and the city's need to prioritize public social needs over real estate investment.
13 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
Spin Time building eviction sparks protests in Rome
Following the eviction of families from the Spin Time building in Rome, activists and artist Cosmo are protesting against real estate speculation and the housing emergency.
20 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Spin Time activists organize protests following Rome eviction
Activists in Rome are organizing a national protest for September 19 following the eviction of the Spin Time social center, demanding the building be returned to public use to prevent real estate speculation.
about 1 month ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 23 sources
Spin Time community faces housing crisis in Rome after building seizure
Displaced residents of Rome's Spin Time Labs continue to camp in the streets following a building fire and seizure, as negotiations between the city and property owners over housing solutions remain deadlocked.
about 1 month ago

[CULTURE] 4 sources
Director Berardo Carboni gifts cinema tickets to Spin Time occupants
Director Berardo Carboni is gifting 500 cinema tickets to the families occupying the Spin Time building in Rome, who have been living in street protests following an evacuation in July.

Sources

7colli.it · affaritaliani.it · agenparl.eu · articolo21.org · askanews.it · channelbiz.fr · cineblog.it · diocesitivoliepalestrina.it · dogdaycare.com.au · editorialedomani.it · goldtv.it · huffingtonpost.it · ilfattoquotidiano.it · ilquotidianoweb.it · iltempo.it · italiachecambia.org · italpress.com · lacronaca24.it · lacronacadiroma.it · lapresse.it · laverita.info · lavocedivenezia.it · lesinguliersete.fr · liberoquotidiano.it · maggiesfarm.it · notizie.it · pinknoises.it · quotidiano.net · radioroma.it · settimananews.it · solomente.it · upday.com

This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history