Malta’s Homeless Crisis: The Story of Joseph

It was a chilly December morning in 2019 when a passerby spotted a man lying in a pool of blood on the pavement outside the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta. The man, later identified as 55-year-old Joseph, was homeless. Witnesses reported seeing people walk past him, some even stepping over him, before someone finally called an ambulance. Joseph survived, but his story sparked outrage and raised questions about how Malta treats its most vulnerable citizens.

Malta, with its Mediterranean charm and bustling tourism industry, often presents a picture-perfect image to the world. Yet, hidden in plain sight is a growing homeless crisis. According to the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, the number of homeless people in Malta has increased by 60% since 2015, with an estimated 700 people currently living on the streets or in emergency shelters.

Valletta, the capital city, is particularly affected. The historic city’s narrow streets and grand architecture contrast starkly with the makeshift tents and cardboard boxes that line its alleyways. Tourists often walk past the homeless, many of whom are long-term residents of Malta, unaware of the human stories behind the scenes.

So, why the indifference? Why do people walk past the homeless, even when they’re injured and bleeding? The answers are complex and complex, rooted in societal attitudes, political policies, and economic factors.

Some point to a culture of apathy and stigma towards the homeless. “People often see homelessness as a choice, a sign of laziness or weakness,” says Maria, a social worker at Dar Merħba Bik, a homeless shelter in Ħamrun. “But the reality is, most homeless people are victims of circumstances – job loss, mental health issues, domestic violence.”

Others blame the government’s lack of affordable housing policies. Malta has one of the highest housing prices in Europe, with the average house price increasing by 70% between 2010 and 2020. The demand for social housing far outstrips supply, leaving many vulnerable people with nowhere to go.

However, not everyone is indifferent. A growing number of Maltese citizens and NGOs are speaking out against homelessness. Initiatives like “Sleep Out Malta” see participants spending a night on the streets to raise awareness and funds for homeless charities. Local businesses are also getting involved, with some donating profits from certain products to homeless causes.

“We can’t just walk past this issue anymore,” says Matthew, a participant in Sleep Out Malta. “We need to start seeing the homeless as people, not as a problem. They deserve our compassion, our respect, and our help.”

So, what can you do? Here are a few suggestions:

• Donate to local homeless charities like Dar Merħba Bik, St. Jehosophat’s Institute, or the Malta Community Chest Fund.
• Volunteer your time at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.
• Write to your MP, demanding more affordable housing and better support services for the homeless.
• Simply smile and say hello to someone living on the streets. It might seem small, but it can make a big difference.

Let’s not let Joseph’s story be in vain. Let’s not let anyone else bleed on our streets while we walk on by. Let’s stand up for Malta’s most vulnerable, because they deserve better.