Spin Time, 200 people relocated to the Capitol, new meeting between City and Residents

Rome’s authorities continued their efforts to relocate residents from the Spin Time squat on Thursday, with officials aiming to reach a total of 200 people moved into temporary housing by nightfall. The operation has been ongoing throughout the day despite extreme heat conditions in the city, and officials expect the process to be completed by the weekend. A new meeting was held this evening at City Hall between Rome’s municipal administration and representatives of Spin Time to discuss the situation in via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, while disputes continue over the relocation efforts, particularly after the discovery of drugs inside one of the apartments. The meeting took place in the afternoon around 5:30 p.m., during which representatives of Spin Time expressed appreciation for the work carried out by the administration. Discussions focused on housing solutions and the challenges faced in recent days, especially regarding finding accommodations near the neighborhood. According to the city government, priority has been given to locating housing within the Esquilino district or nearby areas, although the intention to purchase property remains valid following the price determination being assigned to the Revenue Agency. As of now, approximately 160 individuals have found alternative accommodation, and meetings will continue in the coming weeks. The relocation of Spin Time residents continues toward temporary housing made available by the City of Rome and the Civil Protection Department. On Thursday alone, 160 residents were relocated, with expectations that the number will rise to 200 by nightfall. The procedure is anticipated to be fully completed by the end of the weekend. Work on the operational table, set up under a tent, has also concluded, involving technical staff from the department of social policies, the department of housing policies, and the Civil Protection Service. The procedure involves interviews conducted by three entities, through which social policy technicians assess individual vulnerabilities, identifying the presence of minors, disabilities, medical or educational needs. Housing policy technicians analyze eligibility criteria for public housing assignments within 60 days, while the Civil Protection Service assigns residents to various types of affiliated or contractually agreed accommodations. All 130 family units have undergone the interview process. Priority has been given to those with greater vulnerability, starting with elderly individuals and children. However, in cases requiring specific medical care, the relocation process might take a few additional days, with the aim of placing residents closer to hospitals involved. Activists from Spin Time noted that many people have been relocated far from the Esquilino area, despite their desire to maintain the community cohesion. Of the seven identified structures so far, three are located outside the Ring Road. Meanwhile, around 100 people remain in via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, with many expressing opposition to leaving what they consider their home. Finding suitable accommodations for these individuals presents particular difficulties.