In discussions about Women’s Day, homelessness remains a troubling blind spot. The issue shows a stark gender disparity that makes many women invisible to public attention. National statistics from INE disclose that about 76.7% of people experiencing homelessness are men, while 23.3% are women. This gap is more than a demographic number; it translates into heightened vulnerability for homeless women, who face a double burden: the hardship of homelessness and the risks linked to gender, including a higher exposure to sexual violence, with roughly one-quarter reporting such assaults.
Senovia understands this reality from direct experience. He migrated to Spain from Colombia at age 23, hoping to work and earn enough to relieve a family debt and build a new life. He recalls how the plan to “find my life” was soon tested by harsh conditions and limited support.
Upon arriving in Spain, Senovia entered a cruel world of trafficking and exploitation that he describes as white slavery—a system he could escape physically but not without resources. Without stable assistance, he slid into survival strategies that offered only temporary relief: earning money for basic needs, finding a place to sleep in a hostel for short periods, or even resting on the sofa of acquaintances. Yet the descent did not stop there. The street soon became the backdrop, a place where the risks multiply and the sense of security erodes. He remembers it as a literal descent into hell, where the mind feels frayed and life appears relentlessly bleak. Living on the streets or bouncing between shelters can degrade both body and spirit, leaving scars that are hard to erase.
Senovia’s photo, shown alongside staff from the San Juan de Dios Hospital Errondo Gure Etxea center in San Sebastián, captures a moment of transition. The Errondo Gure Etxea center, part of the San Juan de Dios Hospital, embodies a comprehensive approach to care for people facing severe social exclusion. The facility deploys a multidisciplinary team to address the intertwined needs of health, housing, and social support, recognizing that recovery requires more than a roof over the head.
From his own persistence came a turning point. After years of moving through shelters in Navarra, he was connected with social services that opened a pathway toward stability. The Gipuzkoa County Council helped coordinate his intake at Errondo Gure Etxea, enabling access to a broader network of care. Now, at 48, Senovia reflects on a journey that began with uncertainty and has evolved into a hopeful pursuit of independence. His aspiration is tangible: to own a clothing business and to contribute meaningfully to society, proving that a future can be rebuilt with the right support and a firm plan.
Senovia also has a message for others who find themselves in similar circumstances. He speaks from experience about the power of speaking out: the relief of naming one’s struggles, the value of therapy, and the sense of safety that comes with being helped. He emphasizes that women who are suffering in silence deserve a platform to share their stories and a community that believes in their resilience. His experience underscores a broader truth: recovery is possible when help is accessible, consistent, and respectful of each person’s dignity.
female flexibility
Across communities, women facing homelessness often encounter barriers that prolong vulnerability, yet stories like Senovia’s illuminate paths toward resilience. The emphasis on integrated care—combining medical treatment, social work, housing assistance, and ongoing support—helps break cycles of exclusion. The aim is not merely to provide shelter but to empower individuals to regain control of their lives, pursue education or training, and build routines that restore confidence and independence.
Women entering the system can find themselves navigating stigma, care gaps, and limited resources. The message from those who have moved forward is clear: asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step toward healing and reintegration. With sustained therapy, practical support, and a community that believes in their potential, women and men alike can transition from precarity to stability and purpose. In Senovia’s case, the road has become about rebuilding a future that serves not just himself but the broader society to which he now belongs.