Protest: Lisbon & Porto Demand Rent Support for IHRU Residents
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Portugal Faces Housing Crisis as Support Services Strain Under Lack of Funding
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Portugal is grappling with a severe housing affordability crisis, exacerbated by a critical lack of resources allocated to support vulnerable renters. Currently, only two national services – located in Lisbon and Porto – are equipped to address housing issues despite the problem being nationwide. This scarcity of support is prompting protests and raising concerns about the well-being of low-income individuals and families.
andré Escoval, a leading voice on housing issues, has warned of insufficient funding for the Instituto de Habitação e Reabilitação urbana (IRHU – Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation) and highlighted the absence of adequate solutions in the proposed State Budget for 2026, currently under initial discussion in Parliament. “We need investment and we need a public housing institute with resources and resources,” escoval stated.
Rent Support Cuts Leave Individuals in Precarious Situations
The impact of funding shortfalls is acutely felt by those relying on rental assistance. Rosa Soares, a resident of Porto, shared her story with RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal), the Portuguese public broadcaster, detailing how she has not received rent support for two months. Unemployed for two months, Soares relies on a minimum income of €247 per month but faces a monthly rent of €273.13.
“More water, more light, more medication… I can’t survive without this help,” Soares explained, noting that her previous support of €190.90 per month was discontinued in September. This situation underscores the vulnerability of individuals on low incomes facing rising housing costs.
| Expense | Amount (€) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Income | 247 |
| Monthly Rent | 273.13 |
| Previous rent Support | 190.90 |
Protests Demand increased resources for Housing Support
The Movimento porta a Porta (Door-to-Door Movement), a housing advocacy group, organized a protest to raise awareness about the IRHU’s limited capacity to respond to the growing housing needs of the population. Raquel Ferreira, a representative of the movement, told RTP that the protest aims to “give visibility” to the lack of means and resources within the IRHU.
The movement’s actions reflect a broader public outcry over the housing crisis and the perceived inadequacy of government responses. Advocates argue that increased investment in social housing and rental assistance programs is crucial to prevent further hardship and ensure access to safe and affordable housing for all Portuguese citizens.