Camila's house

«Blind girl evicted from Bologna because the landlady doesn't want a guide dog». I have read the contributions, the insults and the insults of digital practitioners. For me, Camilla's story, assuming it is true, like the story of a family with children in Turin who is refused the rental of an accommodation because "we don't want children at home", gives me only one desire: to meet the owners to reflect with them on why, on the meaning of these positions.

It is true that they own those walls to which they are emotionally attached and therefore do not want them to be ruined; it is perhaps also true that the neighbors are against it and put pressure on it. On the other hand, it is true that there are no laws and regulations that protect those tenants, but perhaps we should reflect as citizens on the sense of responsibility and human dignity in relation to the choices to be made for the common good.

These cases that take the honor of the news are not unique or isolated. Nationally there is a record of empty houses. It is the result of a combination of various causes: economic crisis, landlords' fear of renting. Above all, distrust has grown among small owners due to the fear of having to face the bureaucratic, managerial and relational complexities associated with leasing. Where to start again to trust the owners and the community? From relationships certainly. And from the narratives. It is true that a falling tree makes more noise than a growing forest, but I don't think I dare too much to ask those who by profession live by selling fear of inaugurating a phase in which the solutions that citizens practice to give themselves are also exalted positive responses to needs.

This does not exempt us from engaging in relationships with people, and in this case with the owners, on the civic sense of the choices to be made, thus being aware that in this free and personal way we can contribute to strengthening community ties. And maybe assuring the owner that we don't leave him alone, but that we can somehow help him with guarantees and organized proximity. While waiting for our communities and their representatives to assume the rules of the game in favor of our coexistence with normality: because it is not only normal, but desirable to have children and living with blindness is already a difficult test that must certainly be supported . I hope that these lines, with the power of the periodical that hosts them, can reach the two owners of Bologna and Turin: I would gladly meet them.

Gianfranco Cattai

NP Aprile 2023