Outsourced firm to take care of homeless people in Marbella

The Marbella Council decided to transfer management of its municipal homeless centres to a private firm, ending the nearly eight-year service provided by Cruz Roja.

In November 2025, the local government, led by Mayor Ángeles Muñoz, launched a public tender Outsourcing these services. One bidder only submitted a proposal, the Malaga-based firm BCM Gestión de Servicios S.LThe company is part of BCM GestionARTE, a group that specializes in social services, homecare, equality programs, and temporary employment. Cruz Roja chose to not take part in the tender.

Contracts are awarded to only one bidder

BCM, with no other bidders, is the likely contractor. This will depend on the outcome of any outstanding issues that may arise in the process.

The contract is for a two-year period initially (2026 and 2027) which can be further extended by up to three more years. That makes it five years total until 2030. The estimated annual budget is around €600,000, with a total value of over €3,000,000 over the full potential term of the contract.

Three key components are included in the privatised services:

• Centro Abierto de Intervención Social in Marbella, located on Calle Huerta los Guerra.
• Centro Abierto de Atención Inmediata in San Pedro Alcantara, on Calle Fantasía.
• Mobile social unit providing direct street outreach.

Marbella’s council has defended the changes, saying that they are aimed at “improving and strengthening” care to homeless individuals. They also stated that service would be available 24/7. She stressed plans to strengthen the mobile unit with an ambulance. Many people who are in need of medical care refuse to be transferred to hospitals or health centres.

Cruz Roja: a mystery decision

This justification raises questions as Cruz Roja has already access to ambulances, and other emergency resources via its structure. Cruz Roja is no longer responsible for the homeless in Marbella. However, neighbours have complained about drunks and addicts attempting to get a meal from the centre.

Previously, Cruz Roja managed the service under annual municipal subsidies—most recently around €443,000—and received praise for its work, including multidisciplinary teams offering food, hygiene, clothing, psychological support, and social integration efforts.

The decision is a part of the broader social policies framework adopted by the PP administration. For 2026, the municipal social services budget will increase by 18.5 per cent, rising from around €10 million to €12 million. A major focus is the home help service, which will see funding jump 25.7 per cent from €7.1 million to €9 million.

Many observers were surprised by the shift from public to private management, especially given Cruz Roja’s positive and long-standing track record of providing these services to vulnerable residents living in Marbella or San Pedro Alcantara.