Homeless Crisis Grows in Casablanca, Residents Demand Action

A distressing sight in Casablanca. The homeless and the mentally ill are increasingly invading the streets, gardens and green spaces of the economic capital of Morocco. Overwhelmed by the situation, the residents are calling on the authorities to take responsibility and find a shelter for these homeless and mentally ill people to preserve their health and human dignity.

These individuals are vulnerable and exposed to multiple dangers, say the Casablancans, citing the physical assaults that could lead to serious injuries or even deaths that they could suffer while wandering the streets. A shelter for the homeless in Casablanca is being studied by the regional authorities, as part of the preparations for the 2030 World Cup, of which Morocco will be one of the host countries alongside Spain and Portugal.

The center should be built on an area of 20 hectares in the commune of Sidi Hajjaj Oued Hassar in the province of Mediouna, and require an investment of 300 million dirhams. However, civil society associations have serious doubts about the ability of the local authorities to carry out this project.

For her part, the mayor of Casablanca announced the launch of a new program aimed at providing financial support to civil society associations working to improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups, including street children and the homeless. NGOs interested have until September 12 to submit their files via the CASAIN digital platform.