Bari, welcome to the degradation of Via Capruzzi: a "kingdom" of the homeless.

BARI - "We have the impression that with the work in Piazza Moro, many of the homeless who previously gravitated between the station area and Piazza Umberto have moved to the porticoes of Via Capruzzi. One thing is certain: the situation is worsening due to the filth and insecurity, and we can't take it anymore."

Residents of the buildings overlooking the stretch between Corso Benedetto Croce and Via Giulio Petroni are so exasperated that they are considering filing a complaint with the relevant authorities.

"Since the regional offices and the police station were moved, this area has deteriorated in terms of safety and decorum," many who live and work there explain. "These homeless people are just poor people, but when they start getting drunk, they can become aggressive. That's the problem. They make a mess and do their business on the streets and in the corners, the porches look like latrines, and in the heat, the stench is unbearable."

"I prefer walking on the street rather than the sidewalk," says a woman. "Honestly, I'm a little scared even during the day. Then, at night, we barricade ourselves in our homes."

Another problem is the presence of many B&Bs: the doors of the buildings often remain open and the homeless take advantage of this to enter the entrance halls used both as dormitories and as bathrooms.

"A homeless couple now hangs out in front of the pharmacy," residents say. "They have a dog that often roams free. They carry mattresses and entire suitcases full. One time, one of them collapsed on the floor and we couldn't tell if he was sick or just drunk. They're calling 911 almost daily now. We can't take it anymore."

"And it's not just the arcades on Via Capruzzi that are impassable. Many homeless people take refuge along the slope next to the Excelsior Hotel, where they sleep and, according to some, even take drugs. Occasionally, small fights break out."

"And let no one think that our complaints are the result of racism," a man concludes before entering a doorway. "That's not the case. Sometimes some of us have even tried to help these homeless people, especially in the winter. But now the situation is out of control, and the fear is that it will only get worse. That's why we need interventions, but permanent ones. Police officers pass by periodically, sometimes even managing to get them to move, but then they come back. We're sorry because we realize they're poor people, but we need a solution."