A shocking tale of desolation and abandon hit national media sources last week when it was reported that a 66-year-old homeless woman from Portimão has been living in the entrance hall of a local building with only her dog and a collection of personal items since Christmas Eve.
The woman, Maria Felisberto Trindade do Carmo, had originally set up her temporary home outside the building but was later allowed inside by residents so that she could get out of the cold and rain. Some neighbours even offered her food, with scraps also for the dog.
While the story brought strong reactions from the public, the municipal authority of Portimão was fast to explain its background.
In a press release, the Câmara said that Maria do Carmo had been receiving social support from the municipality since 2008 which was meant to cover her food, medication and housing needs.
The municipality also explained that the woman had been living since 2011 in a studio apartment provided by the Câmara at a monthly cost of just €6, which Maria do Carmo had been unable to pay for from mid-2012, along with her water and electricity bills.
To avoid leaving her homeless, the municipality had suggested she be put in a home, but it claims Maria do Carmo was not keen on this at all. Indeed she signed a paper refusing the option outright.
Since that time, said the Câmara, it had been unaware of where the pensioner was living until this latest story broke.
The council’s press release did stress, however, that the woman will be offered another studio apartment in the area of Torralta for a monthly rent of €250, which Social Services claim she should be able to afford as she is living on benefits of €410 per month.
The Algarve Resident has since contacted Portimão Câmara for further details on Maria do Carmo but has received no replies.
