One year after the DANA, Jovesólides drives the recovery of nearly 600 people and the revitalization of the local economy in 22 municipalities across the Valencian Region

A year ago, the DANA storm devastated neighborhoods, homes, and businesses across the Valencian Region, leaving thousands of families affected and a severe impact on the local economy.

The DANA València support program, promoted by Jovesólides together with various social organizations, has provided legal, economic, and training support to vulnerable people and small businesses.

Representatives of social organizations and beneficiaries share experiences and lessons learned one year after the DANA

On October 29, 2024, a DANA storm hit the Valencian Region with great force. In just a few hours, torrential rains caused severe damage to streets, homes, and businesses, leaving 229 fatalities, thousands of people without housing or employment, and with no certainty on how to begin rebuilding their lives.

Alongside the physical emergency came xenophobic attitudes and messages fueled by misinformation, which particularly affected migrants and vulnerable communities.In response to hate speech and division, civil society organized around solidarity. Neighborhoods, associations, and social organizations created networks of mutual aid to meet urgent needs and support those left outside institutional responses. Among those mobilized was Jovesólides, which joined collective efforts to accompany and strengthen affected communities. Since then, its work has focused on social, legal, and community support processes, with an emphasis on restoring rights and reinforcing local resilience.

Supporting recovery and regularization for those most in need

Over the past year, Jovesólides has maintained a constant presence across the territory, directly supporting 393 people and more than 570 individuals in total through social, legal, and training assistance.

Through the e-Spai TIC Network, the organization has facilitated document processing, access to aid, electronic procedures, and the strengthening of digital skills.

A significant part of the work has focused on vulnerable groups excluded from institutional responses—such as undocumented migrants, homeless families, and precarious workers. Within this framework, 70 residence regularization applications were processed, 95% of which have already been approved, and half of these individuals are now employed, improving their stability and access to essential services.One of the people supported through this process is Reyes, a migrant woman who describes the impact of this assistance: “My life has completely changed. Since I arrived at Jovesólides, I’ve felt at home. I’ve met kind people who truly care. I’m very happy and deeply grateful to everyone.”

Personalized support has been key to helping affected families recover stability.

In parallel, agreements were signed with ten small businesses and self-employed people who lost their livelihoods after the DANA. Workshops, bakeries, hair salons, and call centers, among other local businesses, have been able to reopen their doors with technical guidance and personalized advice. Seventy percent of these entrepreneurs have already received financial support, an essential step in their recovery.

One of them is Nawal, owner of Pastelería Orba, who lost everything in the storm. With effort and thanks to the aid received, she was able to renovate and reopen her bakery: “The help came when I was really struggling, and it made a huge difference. Now it’s time to work hard again, and we’re happy because many neighbors are coming back.”

She adds a message to others facing similar challenges: “Don’t abandon the neighborhoods. We need new shops and support for those who lost their businesses. Hope is the last thing we should lose.”

From flooded shops to renewed spaces: small businesses bring life back to the neighborhoods

Local alliances to boost economic and social recovery

The actions carried out have reached 22 municipalities in the Valencian Region, including Alaquàs, Albal, Aldaia, Alfafar, Algemesí, Benetússer, Beniparrell, Buñol, Canals, Carcaixent, Catarroja, La Torre (València), Massanassa, Paiporta, Paterna, Picassent, Quart de Poblet, Torrent, València, and Xirivella.

From these areas, Jovesólides has worked in coordination with a broad network of social and community organizations. Collaboration with Oxfam Intermón, Casa Marruecos, and the Valencian Coordinating Body of NGOs for Development (CVONGD) —which brings together more than one hundred organizations— has been essential to expand the program’s reach and ensure a response tailored to local needs.

A tribute to the organizations and collectives that made reconstruction through solidarity possible

Networking has made it possible to optimize resources, connect efforts, and move toward recovery focused on social inclusion, equity, and community resilience. This collaboration among organizations has often filled the gaps left by institutional responses, particularly in the most affected neighborhoods.

Although significant progress has been achieved, challenges remain. Some families still need support to access aid or employment; communities continue to demand meeting spaces and opportunities for collective rebuilding; and neighborhoods must prepare for future climate emergencies. Jovesólides remains active on the ground, committed to fostering a recovery based on rights and dignity.

As Karina Almirón, program coordinator, states: “Faced with structural racism and Islamophobia in our societies, we advocate for a just reconstruction based on social justice, placing people’s dignity at the center.”

The DANA València aid program is led by Jovesólides with funding from Oxfam Intermón’s “Desigualdad Cero” program; the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and the 2030 Agenda through the Spanish Third Sector Platform; and the “la Caixa” Foundation under its special “DANA 2024 Emergency” program.

Follow the latest updates with the hashtags #DANAValència #AyudasDANA