The agreement, signed at the Parish of El Carmen in the presence of residents and volunteers, culminates a lengthy administrative process and will provide a more suitable space for Cáritas' social work. The land concession, adjacent to the church, will last for 75 years.
The mayor of Lucena, Aurelio Fernández, highlighted that the signing represents “a significant leap to ensure that the service provided is the best possible and with the best guarantees,” thanking the volunteers for their dedication and the parish for its perseverance. The future building will occupy about 300 square meters on a single floor, respecting the historic facade of the church and its surroundings.
The parish priest, Eugenio Bujalance, thanked the collaboration of the Lucena City Council and municipal staff, as well as the involvement of parishioners and volunteers. The parish is now working on the project's design with architect Sara García, intending to prioritize local professionals and companies. The construction budget has not yet been finalized due to increased costs.
The new facilities, which will double the current space of Cáritas Parroquial del Carmen (currently around 70 m²), will include warehouses, personal attention areas, and a reception and waiting zone, preventing users from having to wait outside and offering a protected space. Currently, the organization assists about 40 families, a figure that can fluctuate due to the arrival of seasonal agricultural workers.
