In the midst of the growing search for alternatives to change life and get away from the pace of big cities, a small town in the interior of Spain decided to open its doors to new families, offering free housing, stable employment and the possibility of starting over in an environment surrounded by nature.
It is about Gritsa town located in the province of Soriain the autonomous community of Castile and Leónwhich currently It has only about 40 inhabitants and that seeks to stop the phenomenon of depopulation that has affected numerous rural areas of the country for several years.
The initiative is promoted by the City hall and the Arenillas Cultural Associationwhich in recent years have worked on the recovery of several municipal homes to attract new residents willing to settle permanently.
Arenillas tries to stop depopulation with incentives for new residents. Photo:Revcyl
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The proposal contemplates the transfer of a completely restored and equipped house, no rental cost, for the selected family. In addition, one of the adults will have a permanent job related to the maintenance and rehabilitation of municipal buildings.
The job offer corresponds to a position as a bricklayer, a necessity within the municipality to preserve the heritage and guarantee the functioning of public spaces. However, the program is not limited to just providing a roof over your head and a source of income.
Those responsible for the project also offer the possibility of manage the bar or social center of the town, considered one of the main meeting points of the community. Although this function is not mandatory, it represents the opportunity to integrate into daily life in Arenillas and complement the main work activity.
Arenillas tries to stop depopulation with incentives for new residents. Photo:Soria Guide
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The call is aimed especially at families with school-age children. The objective of the authorities is guarantee generational change and maintain active essential services that depend on the presence of a stable population.
To facilitate the adaptation of those who arrive, the municipality reported that Minors will have free school transportation to the local schoollocated in Berlanga de Duero, about 20 kilometers from the town.
The interest aroused by the initiative has exceeded initial expectations. Within a few days of being launched, hundreds of requests began to arrivea figure that was later multiplied until counting thousands of emails from people interested in moving to the municipality.
The City Council has insisted that they are not looking for temporary visitors or temporary experiences. The priority is placed on people with the intention of establishing roots and commitment to the territorywilling to become an active part of the life of the town and contribute to keeping its social fabric alive.
Arenillas tries to stop depopulation with incentives for new residents. Photo:Soria Guide
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Those who wish to participate You must contact the Arenillas City Council directly. through your email or telephone contact and present an application explaining your family situationlThe reasons that motivate your interest and work experience that may be useful for the development of the required functions.
Although no final deadline to apply has been established at this time, The authorities recommend carrying out the process as soon as possible due to the high number of queries received.
Pablo Pachón Ramírez
Digital Scope Editorial
THE TIME
