Inspired by the ATD Fourth World movement and its advances in social rights in France, the AMICS association began its work in 1998 after identifying the critical needs of a group of marginalized families. This group, composed mainly of families from Galicia and Portugal, had arrived in Barcelona in the late 1990s, drawn by the prospect of better economic opportunities. In the absence of housing solutions, these families settled in caravans and trucks parked on the streets of Barcelona and Badalona, living in precarious conditions. This situation prompted the association to intervene to meet their needs and promote their social inclusion.
AMICS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the social inclusion of marginalized families, particularly those living in unoccupied spaces or camps. Its primary goal is to promote their integration into the social fabric of Barcelona by actively fighting poverty and exclusion.
The organization works on several fronts to improve the quality of life for families in difficulty:
- Family visits to build social connections (sharing over coffee, listening, and providing moral support).
- Training
- Stable housing
- Access to decent and paid employment
- Educational activities :
- Homework assistance for children
- Educational games and leisure activities to strengthen family cohesion.
- Administrative support :
- Guidance in administrative processes.
- Advice on best practices for social and professional integration.
Ongoing Projects :
- Engaging with new families living in similar situations.
- Deepening partnerships and exchanges with ATD to improve intervention strategies.
The association primarily operates in the metropolitan area of Barcelona, collaborating with other social and humanitarian support networks in the region. Goals for its 27th Anniversary in 2025, AMICS aims to:
- Expand its support network by establishing more partnerships.
- Strengthen its impact on the social inclusion of marginalized families.
- Raise greater awareness about the fight against poverty through grassroots actions and community events.
For many years, AMICS has worked closely with children, families, and volunteers from the Fourth World. Together, they have shared moments of joy, sorrow, and, at times, great hardship.
Although the situation for these families has improved over the past two decades, some continue to live in precarious conditions. Some reside in abandoned factories without access to electricity or running water, while others occupy illegal housing under the constant threat of eviction.The association recognizes that significant challenges remain. Access to stable and decent housing, as well as sufficient economic resources, is essential to ensure a dignified life.
“How many evictions have I been through? Well, more than 20. I’ve walked all over Barcelona from shed to shed.”
(¿Cuántos desalojos he vivido? Pues más de 20. He recorrido Barcelona entera de nave en nave. )
“What costs us the most is suddenly being told we have to leave”.
(Lo que más nos cuesta es que de golpe nos digan que nos tenemos que ir.)
“We don’t come from our country with dreams of cleaning or babysitting. Some of us have degrees in mathematics, we’re accountants, dentists…”
(Nosotros no venimos de nuestro país con el sueño de limpiar o cuidar. Algunas tenemos carreras de matemáticas, somos contables, dentistas… )
“We really appreciate the emotional support, as it’s very difficult. The association helps us a lot with our children. There’s someone who really cares about you.”
(Agradecemos mucho el apoyo emocional, porque se pasa muy mal. La asociación nos ayuda mucho con nuestros hijos. Hay alguien que sí que se interesa por ti. )
AMICS has already made great strides alongside these families and remains committed to continuing this collaboration to achieve the necessary changes and offer a better future to those most in need.
Address : C/Pere Vergés 1, Barcelone
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.amicsquartmon.org
