Puerto Rico Senator Jamie Barlucea, who represents the Ponce District, filed Senate Bill 1608 to require government agencies to implement protocols for addressing homelessness on the island. The filing follows a public hearing held days earlier by the Senate Housing and Social Welfare Committee under Investigation Resolution 383, which examined affordable housing. The hearing covered the profiles of vulnerable groups who have lost their homes or are at risk of doing so, including abused women, older adults and young people, the latter concentrated in the metropolitan area.
Barlucea, of the New Progressive Party (PNP), said the measure strengthens the homeless Bill of Rights across health, housing, mental health and government services. She noted that a homeless person who goes to a government agency without up-to-date documents, an ID or a mailing address often does not get the help they are due. The bill requires every agency and town to collaborate and set protocols so those services can be delivered.
The Housing Department and the Mental Health and Addiction Services Administration (ASSMCA) would work with the Multisectoral Council on Homelessness, which has about 16 members, including the Civil Rights Commission. The bill also creates a complaint system where people can claim their rights and report institutional mistreatment. Town representatives, nonprofits and people who have experienced homelessness would also sit on the Council. Barlucea will soon announce public hearings on the bill and is open to amendments.