According to the most recent official data, 177 people are currently registered as homeless across the archipelago, with the majority located in the municipalities of Funchal (140 cases), Câmara de Lobos, Santa Cruz, and Machico – all situated along Madeira’s southern coast.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that at least 80% of these 177 individuals are welcomed into suitable accommodation,” said Paula Margarido, the Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Employment and Youth.

Margarido was speaking at the launch of the Third Regional Plan for the Integration of Homeless People (PRIPSSA 2025–2030), held at the Madeira Social Security Institute auditorium in Funchal.

The plan outlines a comprehensive set of measures aimed at providing safe housing solutions, access to healthcare, ongoing social support, and opportunities for employment. It brings together 23 public and private organisations working within the region’s social sector.

Nivalda Gonçalves, president of the Madeira Social Security Institute, the body responsible for the initiative, highlighted that two projects funded through Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) are already underway. These will create 22 new beds across two institutions in Funchal and Câmara de Lobos by 2026.

“Our main goal is to ensure that people are housed in safe, dignified environments,” she stated.

Gonçalves added that most of Madeira’s homeless population are men aged between 40 and 50, many of whom face additional challenges such as mental health issues and substance abuse.