Homelessness in Panama: A Growing Reality without a Sustained Response
Sleeping in public spaces has become an increasingly common reality in Panama City.
In Panama City, the number of people living on the streets is increasing, a reality that has been addressed in different government bodies and that, despite the proposal and even the start of various initiatives, does not show significant changes.
Accurate, up-to-date figures for the total homeless population in Panama are not officially tracked, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact number. The issue is most severe in Panama City, driven by social inequalities and a lack of investment. However, over 50,000 people were living on under US$1.90 a day in 2019.
Key details regarding homelessness in Panama include:
- Data Scarcity: There is a lack of reliable, official data on the exact number of people experiencing homelessness.
- Concentration: The crisis is most visible and concentrated in Panama City.
- Contributing Factors: Key drivers include high social inequality, economic disparities, a lack of government investment in affordable housing, and increased frequency of natural disasters.
- Poverty Context: While Panama is a high-income economy, substantial poverty remains, with roughly 500,000 people living under US$5.50 a day according to 2019 data.
- Government Action: The government has initiated plans to improve housing, including investing $25.7 million in housing solutions and implementing a certification of lots plan.
https://www.homelessworldcup.org/panama
Our Vision is for a world without homelessness. Click the URL above.
Our Mission is to use soccer to support and inspire people who are homeless to change their own lives; and to change perceptions and attitudes towards people who are experiencing homelessness.
