Lanzarote Woman Faces Eviction, Health at Risk – Urgent Housing Crisis
archyde.com – November 10, 2025
Arrecife, Lanzarote – A desperate situation is unfolding on the Canary Island of Lanzarote as Anaís He, a woman living with disabilities, is facing eviction from her home on December 30th, sparking concerns about a deepening housing crisis and the vulnerability of residents with complex needs. This breaking news story highlights the urgent need for accessible housing solutions and social safety nets.
Eviction Threatens Health and Well-being
Anaís, who has used a wheelchair since a car accident in 2019, lives in a converted garage on Jaime I street in the San Francisco Javier neighborhood of Arrecife. The property is set to be reclaimed by its owner – someone Anaís has never met, having paid rent to an intermediary who wasn’t authorized to act on their behalf. This eviction is the first in a series planned for the building, which houses 17 families and contains numerous properties in disrepair. Her current home lacks even basic features like windows, compounding the hardship.
“I don’t want to see myself on the street,” Anaís stated, expressing her profound fear. The search for alternative housing has proven fruitless. “I have gone to many (real estate) agencies but there are no houses and, as the situation is, the owners do not have confidence,” she explained, highlighting the challenges faced by those requiring adapted accommodation.
Limited Accessible Housing Fuels Crisis
The core of the problem isn’t simply a lack of housing, but a critical shortage of accessible housing in Lanzarote. Anaís requires a home without stairs or with features adapted to her needs, a requirement that drastically narrows her options in a rental market already stretched thin. This situation isn’t unique to Anaís; it reflects a broader systemic issue impacting vulnerable populations across the island.
Evergreen Context: The Global Accessible Housing Shortage – The lack of accessible housing is a global problem, often overlooked in urban planning and development. According to the World Health Organization, over one billion people – approximately 15% of the world’s population – live with some form of disability. Ensuring adequate housing for this demographic is not only a matter of social justice but also a crucial component of inclusive urban development. Many countries are now implementing building codes and incentives to promote universal design principles, making homes more accessible to all.
Social Services Overwhelmed, Health at Risk
Elda Bentacort, spokesperson for the Platform for Decent Housing in Lanzarote, is advocating for immediate intervention. “Someone has to respond to this situation,” she urged. Both Arrecife’s social services and the General Directorate of Housing of the Canary Islands Government are aware of Anaís’s case, but have reported a complete lack of available suitable properties.
The stress of the impending eviction is already taking a severe toll on Anaís’s health. She recently underwent surgery and is awaiting another procedure. “He has just undergone an operation and is awaiting another and it is not the best way to face this situation,” Bentacort explained. The anxiety is causing her blood sugar levels to spike, putting her at risk of a leg amputation. Anaís also suffers from heart disease and clogged arteries, requiring a calm and stable environment – something an eviction clearly cannot provide.
A recent change in eligibility criteria for social housing has further complicated matters. Anaís was previously on the list for social homes being built in Maneje, but a recently awarded permanent disability pension disqualifies her, as it puts her slightly over the income threshold. “She spends 20 euros of the maximum amount allowed to access those homes,” Bentacort pointed out, illustrating the frustrating bureaucratic hurdles.
The Urgent Need for Systemic Change
Anaís’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost of the housing crisis and the critical need for proactive solutions. The situation demands a multi-faceted approach, including increased investment in accessible social housing, streamlined access to support services, and a review of eligibility criteria for social programs to ensure they don’t inadvertently penalize vulnerable individuals. This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a reflection of broader societal challenges related to housing affordability, disability rights, and social inclusion. For readers interested in learning more about Google News SEO and how to stay informed about breaking news, visit our dedicated section.
