A total of 55 subsidies, amounting to nearly 300,000 euros, have been awarded by the provincial administration to enable young people in the Sierra de Segura to purchase their first homes. The award ceremony took place at the Beas de Segura Market Hall.
The President of the Provincial Council, Juan Latorre, highlighted the initiative as an innovative measure to address the demographic challenge and the housing problem. He noted that while the province of Jaén does not suffer from 'ghost towns' thanks to the olive groves, the Sierra de Segura faces depopulation due to its terrain and aging population.
The call for applications, endowed with one million euros, aims to provide young people with facilities to develop their life projects in the region. Latorre emphasized the Council's commitment to helping young people stay in their homeland, within budgetary possibilities.
The beneficiaries reside in ten municipalities within the region: Orcera, Beas de Segura, Puente de Génave, La Puerta de Segura, Torres de Albanchez, Santiago-Pontones, Génave, Arroyo del Ojanco, Segura de la Sierra, and Siles. The total investment in these homes will exceed 4.4 million euros.
Latorre reminded that the application period remains open until November 30th and will be extended to the El Condado region. This measure complements the State Housing Plan from the Spanish Government, funded with 7 billion euros, focusing on rural territories in need.
The president stressed that the future of the towns lies with young people and the creation of opportunities. He assured that housing is a key concern and that, although not a direct competence, the Council is acting to help young people remain in their municipalities.
The initiative is part of the development strategy for the Sierra de Segura, promoted by the Territorial Innovation Center, a result of an agreement between the Provincial Council and the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. This center has also supported other actions like the Shepherd School and the Competiolivar program.
Latorre concluded by reaffirming the commitment to revitalizing rural territories, prioritizing young people and the elderly to ensure the region has the same opportunities as any other.
For his part, the mayor of Beas de Segura, José Alberto Rodríguez, expressed his satisfaction with the measure, calling it pioneering in Spain and highlighting its importance for fulfilling the dreams of the young beneficiaries.
