174 people found sleeping on streets or in vehicles
The annual homelessness count in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, conducted overnight between 27th and 28th October 2026, identified 174 people sleeping in public spaces or in vehicles across the city. An additional 70 people were staying in municipal residential facilities that night, bringing the total number of individuals experiencing homelessness who were detected or assisted to 244. The operation, carried out between 10 PM and 2 AM, involved 90 volunteers and professionals from Creu Roja, Càritas Diocesana de Barcelona, La Vinya, Suara, AEC Gris, and the L'Hospitalet City Council. Teams were divided into small groups and surveyed 22 designated zones across the city to locate individuals sleeping outdoors.
70 housed in emergency and temporary accommodation
Of the 70 people accommodated in municipal facilities, 38 stayed at Els Alps, a limited-stay residential centre that provides temporary shelter, a soup kitchen, and external shower services. Twelve were in emergency housing for women, and 20 occupied temporary socio-educational apartments. Els Alps is operated under a public service contract awarded to Suara Serveis, SCCL, worth €3.86 million including VAT, as confirmed in a 2023 award published by the Diputació de Barcelona’s official contracting portal (CIDO). The centre is located on Carrer Alps, a site with documented municipal project files dating back to the 1970s for social emergency and observation facilities.
The data allows us to guide municipal and social entity actions, strengthen coordination, and continue supporting identified individuals.
Year-on-year comparison shows mixed trends
Last year's count recorded 185 people experiencing homelessness in the city: 117 on the streets or in vehicles and 68 in municipal facilities. While the number of people sleeping outdoors has increased by 57, the overall rise is partially offset by a slight increase in shelter placements. The City Council stated the data will help refine social care policies and resource allocation. It is also working to consolidate existing support services and develop new initiatives tailored to identified needs, particularly for those living on the streets. Residents and service providers can access further details about Els Alps and related social housing projects through the Ajuntament de L'Hospitalet and its public works archives.
Sources: L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Diputació de Barcelona.
