The Largo do Pelourinho, a recently renovated public square in Funchal, Madeira, is increasingly being used as a nighttime shelter by people experiencing homelessness, according to reports from local authorities, and residents. The shift comes as individuals seek safer places to sleep, and the revitalized square appears to be offering a temporary respite.
A security guard patrolling the area has observed a significant rise in the number of people sleeping in the Largo do Pelourinho, particularly those struggling with drug dependency. The guard, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted an increase in activity in the broader baixa (downtown) area of Funchal, specifically in the Zona Velha (Aged Town), with groups regularly spending the night in the square near the Museu da Fonte de São Filipe. This trend raises concerns about safety and security for both those seeking shelter and local businesses.
Growing Concerns and Increased Vigilance
The security guard emphasized the need for increased attention to the situation, citing potential risks to public safety and property. He affirmed a commitment to maintaining active surveillance to protect both residents and commercial establishments in the area. The situation highlights a broader challenge of providing adequate support and shelter for vulnerable populations within the city.
Madeira’s Plan for Addressing Homelessness
The increasing use of the Largo do Pelourinho as a makeshift shelter comes as the municipality of Funchal continues to implement its Plano Municipal para Pessoas em Situação de Sem-Abrigo (Municipal Plan for People in Homelessness Situations) 2025-2029. Approved unanimously in April 2025, the plan builds upon a strategy initiated in 2022 and aims to prevent homelessness, reduce its incidence, and improve understanding of the issue to facilitate more effective interventions.
According to Helena Leal, the councilor responsible for Social Affairs, the plan includes 63 concrete measures, with 54 already underway. These initiatives include the establishment of two shelters – one for men and one for women – as well as preventative programs and efforts to combat the stigma associated with homelessness. A key component of the plan is a dedicated street outreach team that connects individuals with resources, including healthcare and social services.
A Multi-Faceted Approach
The municipal plan also emphasizes education, with a program reaching over 1,600 children and families in the municipality to promote empathy and raise awareness about the causes of social exclusion. This holistic approach reflects a growing recognition that addressing homelessness requires a coordinated effort involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, social organizations, and the community at large.
The situation at Largo do Pelourinho underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive solutions to address homelessness in Funchal. While the municipal plan represents a significant step forward, the increasing number of individuals seeking shelter in public spaces suggests that more resources and support may be required to meet the growing demand. The Funchal municipality is expected to provide an update on the progress of the Plano Municipal para Pessoas em Situação de Sem-Abrigo during the next council meeting in April 2026.
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