Living in a rented apartment in Ajuda, Lisbon for 14 years, the family pays over 400 euros a month. The building was purchased in 2022 and the new owner offered one of two options: buy the house or stay with a much higher income.
“We couldn’t pay the rent we asked for, and with our income, it’s impossible to pay rent in the city,” says Rafael. cm. Therefore, they must leave before the end of the month. The mother earns minimum wage and the father is a self-employed tailor. They live on the 4th floor and there is no ramp from the door of the building to the elevator.
“I can only get in and out with help, otherwise I’ll have to lug around more in the chair,” says Rafael, who has suffered from spina bifida since birth. They compete every year in the loan-supported Habitar Lisboa program, but were never selected. The municipality and Santa Casa will be meeting with the family next week to try and find a solution.