Caritas in Madrid takes in eight young migrants from the Canary Islands
A program run by Caritas and the dioceses of Canarias and Madrid since February 2025 has brought eight young migrants to the Spanish capital so they can continue the integration process they began in the islands
The Diocese of Canarias, in Spain's Canary Islands, and the Archdiocese of Madrid have worked together since February 2025 to receive, support and integrate young migrants who began that process in the islands. The program, called Corredores de Hospitalidad (Hospitality Corridors), is run by Caritas, the migration offices of both dioceses and the Mesa por la Hospitalidad de Madrid, a network of organizations working on hospitality in the capital. Eight young people have arrived in Madrid from the Canary Islands so far.
The aim is to make sure that moving to a new part of the country does not force these young people to start their integration over again. The program began in response to the situation created by the large numbers of migrants arriving in the islands. Other dioceses have used the experience as a model and have asked the Madrid teams for advice on setting up their own Hospitality Corridors.
Staff in both dioceses coordinate their work so the young people can continue in Madrid the path they started in the Canary Islands, with steady, individual support. The program focuses on those left outside the ordinary protection system, such as young people who must leave public child protection services when they turn 18.
The first six arrived in Madrid in February 2025 with Caya Suárez, secretary general of Caritas Canarias. They were first housed in a residence on Calle Francisco Silvela. After several months, Caritas staff decided a move to other residences would help their integration by letting them live alongside young people of other nationalities and cultures who were already making progress toward independent living.
A network of housing and support
Caritas Madrid runs seven residences for young migrants: six apartments for men and one for women, with 31 places in all, four of them reserved for women. It also runs supervised housing in the La Latina district, in partnership with the Misioneras Cruzadas, with room for nine young people.
The residences provide comprehensive support toward independent living, covering training, education, job guidance, help with regularizing their immigration status, and the skills needed to manage on their own.
Results so far
Eight young people have taken part since the collaboration began. One of the first has completed the program, finding a job and later housing on the open market. He no longer lives in one of the residences but still receives occasional support remotely. Two more 18-year-olds have recently arrived from the Canary Islands. Six young people linked to the program are currently continuing their integration.
A team of volunteers works with the young people in several areas, both one to one and through group activities.
