Equality funds allocated to social services rise across the board
The Ministry of Social Services, Equality and Housing will manage a total budget of 2.811 billion by 2024, up 3.3 percent from the current year. A portion of the funds designated for addiction support rises by 60 million, reaching 520 million in total. This increase occurs alongside a broader effort to invest 2.23 billion in new social centers across the province.
Growing investments appear in several items, including primary healthcare services and addiction programs. The plan adds 1,200 new places for the elderly, while the quota for social and health centers grows by 13.6 percent and the allocation for elder care increases by 0.6 percent. The Valencia social inclusion program expands to 288 million euros. Equality funds and support for women rise from 26 million to 36 million euros, a 38 percent jump. At the same time, in the children’s section, the budget goes from 100 million to 113 million euros. In total, the Ministry of Equality will invest 2.425 billion euros in social services, with the majority of this budget directed toward basic services.
Equality rewards the work of a day center and retirement home in Alicante with more than five million beneficiaries
The province of Alicante sees the largest investments in the Planning and Coordination Area for Social and Health Infrastructures. Notable projects include the Social Center in the Campoamor district in Alicante, with works valued at 878 thousand 270 euros. The public tender for the facility’s construction was issued in July of the previous year. The Day Center and Elderly Care Specialization Center (CEAM) has a total budget of 5,052,059 euros and an anticipated implementation window of 18 months. The ground floor will serve as the day center for seniors in need, with a capacity of 52, featuring open spaces and an indoor garden.
The same line item allocates 769,000 euros for housing for the elderly in Cati, Elda. This investment is part of a broader action announced by the former Minister of Equality in April 2022, with a total investment of 7.7 million euros. The renovation of this residence is included in the Generalitat’s plan to adapt to a new housing model supported by equality initiatives. The project covers a comprehensive refurbishment of the residence with a capacity for 84 residents, plus an expansion of the day center from 12 to 40 people.
The El Catí nursing home in Elda has operated for more than three decades. The facility’s progress is documented in accompanying reports.
Additionally, these budgets fund the ongoing reform of the Orihuela Special Care Center for the Elderly, a reform initiative introduced by the Ministry in January. The allocations include 341,100 euros to align the center with current regulations. The tender budget, reaching 1.4 million euros, covers new fire safety measures and the renovation of bathrooms to ensure accessibility for people with functional diversity.
The area also includes a grant of 55,260 euros for the reform of the Aitana Women’s Comprehensive Healing Center in Alicante.
Equality
The Department led by Susana Camarero allocates 22.5 million for gender equality and 37 million for combating violence against women. The prior Equality plan had proposed Elche to receive a 24-hour Women’s Center this autumn, but that project did not proceed as hoped. Instead, the ministry includes a dedicated line of 55,600 euros for equipment and the subsequent commissioning of the center.
This initiative, first announced in 2018 by the department head, has become a political hot button since it remains unfunded in the Baix Vinalopó capital five years later.
Uncertainty over whether Elche will finally have the 24-hour Women’s Center
Other items include housing upgrades in Denia supported by 15,000 euros and a 75,00 euro line for related improvements. The Benacantil Comprehensive Recovery Center in Alicante also receives attention within this package.