Arca d’Aixovall supported‑housing residence opens in Sant Julià de Lòria

The Andorran Red Cross officially inaugurated Arca d’Aixovall on 28 November, converting the former Peralba hotel in Sant Julià de Lòria into a temporary supported‑housing residence. The centre began operating earlier in November and is managed day‑to‑day by the Red Cross to provide stable accommodation and intensive support to people and families who are homeless or at risk of residential exclusion.

Arca d’Aixovall has 36 rooms and a maximum capacity of 68 places. The Government has contracted 100% of the places under an agreement with the Ministry of Social Affairs, which sets access criteria and handles referrals; the Red Cross is responsible for residents’ care and the centre’s daily operation. A few days after the inauguration the residence housed 24 people occupying 20 rooms, including some relocated from a pension in Escaldes‑Engordany that closed at the end of October.

Services at the residence include socio‑educational and socio‑community support, overnight coverage, access control and security, laundry facilities, communal leisure spaces and a cafeteria open to the public that also serves meals to residents. The centre is designed as a temporary bridge to permanent housing, offering personalised support to help residents address personal, family or social difficulties and work toward greater autonomy.

Officials at the opening emphasised the collaborative nature of the project. Head of Government Xavier Espot highlighted cooperation between public institutions and social organisations, and representatives of the coprinces expressed personal and institutional support. Minister of Social Affairs Trini Marín stressed the government’s commitment to responding to vulnerability and noted that, for now, there are no plans to open additional similar hotels.

The building’s adaptation required roughly €3 million in renovation work. The Red Cross said the facility is fully operational and that further improvements will be carried out progressively as the centre settles into routine operation. Both authorities and Red Cross leaders noted clear demand for the service and expect the residence may reach full occupancy in the near future.