Catalan government to pay rent of vulnerable households on the verge of eviction

Catalonia has announced it will pay the rent of vulnerable households on the verge of eviction.

The new program aims to help those who are at risk of becoming homeless "avoid anguish," says social rights minister Violant Cervera. 

A total of 185 households - all of which have eviction dates set from September 1 to October 15 - will be able to benefit from this €20 million plan. 

According to housing and social inclusion secretary Carles Sala, this sum should be "more than enough" to cover expenses until December. 

Authorities will become the lessees and pay up to 6 months of outstanding rent as well as monthly payments as part of new 5 to 7-year contracts until the household's financial situation improves. 

This comes as Spain's moratorium on evictions of people on the grounds of vulnerability is set to expire on August 9. 

While housing rights activists have long complained the Spanish government's measure does not protect all of those in need - indeed, there have already been more evictions in 2021 than in 2020 - there are fears even more people could become homeless once it is lifted. 

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