The Matthew at JCU In Photos

Houselessness in Rome

Rome, October 29 2023, Homeless's belongings are folded in a doorway near the Vatican by the Church of Santa Maria Traspontina.

In Photos

By Hamza Sheibani |Edited by The Matthew Board

Houselessness in Rome has become a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The city, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is now full with a growing population of individuals living on the streets.

Rome, Nov. 8, 2023 – Houseless living in their tents down the river Tiber in Trastevere.
Oct. 22, 2023, Francesco, 50, has been houseless for the past three years. He currently lives in this tent down the Tiber river in Trastevere.
Rome, Nov. 8, 2023 – Houseless living in their tents down the river Tiber in Trastevere.

The sight of makeshift tents and cardboard shelters lining the sidewalks has become all too common, highlighting the circumstances faced by these vulnerable individuals. Despite efforts by the local government and various non-profit organizations, the problem persists, leaving many to wonder how such a city can allow its citizens to suffer in such deplorable conditions.

Rome, Oct. 29, 2023 -Homeless’s belongings are folded in a doorway near the Vatican by the Church of Santa Maria Traspontina.
Rome, Nov. 8, 2023 – A bag and a chair belonging to houseless living in their tents down the river Tiber stand packed-up in a corner.
Rome, Oct. 29, 2023- Houseless’s belonging by the Vatican Piazza.
Rome, Nov. 11, 2023 – A mattress stands in front of the entrance of the Cipro Metro station.
Rome, Nov. 4, 2023 – Belongings by the entrance of Oftalmico Hospital at the Cipro Metro station.

The last comprehensive survey by the Italian statistics office dates from 2014 said that aid agencies registered about 20,000 unhoused people in Rome in 2021, a number that has remained stable over the years. One-fifth are women, and one-quarter are Italian nationals. However, many people, especially migrants, are missing from the official population register.