“I was paying 300 euros a month in rent until the owner said I didn’t have to pay more because the apartment already belonged to the bank,” he said in a calm but tired voice. Juan Albafrom Cordovan … The 81-year-old remembers the moment his nightmare began when he lost his home in the Levante neighborhood this Tuesday.
For ten years, this former chef, who worked at famous restaurants such as El Siena, La Almudaina and Los Belengeres, lived quietly in a small plot of land that he had converted into a home. Platero Sanchez de Luque Street. He rented it without knowing it was in foreclosure. “I got kicked out of my house and had nowhere to go, so I moved.An acquaintance offered me the apartment, and I was very happy.I paid what I could, but… 300 euros per month».
After many twists and turns in the courts, the eviction brought by the investment fund was not directed against Juan, but he was the one who suffered the consequences. ” with me Pension 825 euros I can’t pay regular rent. I’m looking, but the cheapest one I’ve seen is 600 euros. And it is impossible to buy, ”he confessed with a shrug.
Rafael Sidres, president of the Association of Needy Families (Enfants), which is participating in his lawsuit, deplores the system’s lack of confidentiality. “Juan came to see us last October. vulnerability certificatebut the court ignored it. We cannot understand how such evictions can be carried out. Now, thanks to the solidarity of her friends, she manages to survive. We will respond as soon as rent assistance becomes available. “Juan doesn’t want to spend a day on the street,” Sidres explains.
Juan himself humbly says: “I have people who are helping me. I’m currently living in a room and paying 300 euros. Social services told me that if I could find a place to rent, they would let me. 80% coverage. “I’m on the waiting list for an apartment in Vimcorsa, but it doesn’t seem to apply to me at the moment.”
“I closed myself off.”
Despite everything, he holds no grudges. “Personally I don’t hate anyone. All this It was a nightmareI felt very bad. Ever since I found out they were going to kick me out, I didn’t eat and shut myself up. I just found a little joy at the gym. “Sport encouraged me, but when I thought about going home and staying on the streets, the world came down on me.”
On the day of the eviction, Juan wasn’t alone. While shedding tears, reunited with his two children and three grandchildren whom I had not seen in 30 years. “Yesterday they showed up there and talked to Rafael. It was very moving. They didn’t have the courage to come, but in the end they showed up. “That gave me strength.”
The soon-to-be 82-year-old has dedicated his life to the kitchen since he started working in Barcelona at the age of 14, but remains hopeful that the administration will find him a new purpose. definitive solution. “I just want a quiet place to spend my later years.” “I couldn’t ask for anything more,” he says.
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