Situation of Homeless People in Beato and Lisbon

Setembro 10, 2025

General Context

In December 2024, Lisbon recorded 3,122 people experiencing homelessness:

439 living on the streets (roofless)
2,683 in temporary accommodation (houseless)

This represented a 7.6% decrease compared to 2023, linked to an increase in available shelter spaces (from approximately 800 to around 1,200).

The Role of Beato

Beato is one of the city’s main hubs for homelessness response, with around 600 places in centres such as:

Beato Reception Centre (~270 people)
Salvation Army (75)
Former Manutenção Militar (130)
Rua do Grilo (90)
Municipal Unit for Prevention and Autonomy (28)

On the border with Marvila, the VITAE Centre – Estrada de Chelas further strengthens emergency capacity.

Flows and Mobility

Regular street residents in Beato: 40–50 people
People in transit: 75–100 per month, coming from other parishes for meals, healthcare, or overnight stays

Beato is crossed by strategic routes (Estrada de Chelas, Av. Infante D. Henrique) and is part of food aid distribution networks.

Protocol Housing

Partnerships between Social Security and Santa Casa with property owners in Bairro Madre de Deus and other areas of Beato provide housing for 20 to 40 former homeless people in rooms or houses rented at controlled prices.

These are temporary solutions, serving as a transition stage towards autonomy.

Main Challenges

Dementia: difficult to diagnose on the streets, lack of specialised places, legal consent issues
Drug use: need for harm reduction programmes, treatment, and integrated follow-up
Alcoholism: motivational intervention, detox programmes, and harm reduction strategies
Community impacts: disorganised behaviour, public substance use, petty theft, conflicts, occasional verbal harassment, and public space degradation

Residents’ Sentiments

Feelings of insecurity, discomfort, and frustration
Conflict between empathy and fear
Perception of declining quality of life and sense of belonging in the neighbourhood

Possible Solutions

Housing: Housing First, transitional accommodation, decentralisation of services
Health and social support: multidisciplinary street teams, specialised treatment, early prevention
Safety and coexistence: community policing, mediation, public space maintenance
Integration and prevention: training, supported employment, legal aid, volunteer networks

Conclusion

Beato is both a reception point and a transit area for people experiencing homelessness. Improving quality of life for all requires integrated responses combining stable housing, healthcare, safety, and social inclusion — minimising time spent on the streets and fostering peaceful coexistence between residents and vulnerable populations.

It is essential to respect all parties — both those living in fragile situations and those residing in the neighbourhood — ensuring that no one is disturbed by noise, disruptive behaviour, or situations that negatively affect public spaces. Dignity, peace, and the right to the city must be guaranteed for everyone.

Disclaimer The information in this document regarding the situation of homeless people in Beato and Lisbon is based on data collected from various sources and estimates available at the time. Despite careful compilation, some figures, dates, or descriptions may not fully reflect the current reality, and inaccuracies, omissions, or later changes may occur. This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation of official or updated sources.

Beato Residents and Entrepreneurs Association (AMEBEATO) AMEBEATO represents, promotes, and defends the interests of residents and entrepreneurs in the parish, contributing to socio-economic, sports, environmental, and cultural development. Its dynamic and diverse areas of intervention reflect the needs of our members — residents, friends, and businesses — ensuring effective services.

Join us in transforming Beato into a space that unites connection, sustainability, and culture.

#AMEBEATO #LISBON #BEATO #RESIDENTS #QUALITYOFLIFE #DEMENTIA