Hundreds of people have been forced to sleep outdoors in Rome amid a heatwave after local authorities evacuated a prominent community centre that has operated as a squatted social hub since 2013. The Spin Time Labs building, located in the Esquilino district, was emptied following a minor fire in the early hours of July 29. Although the flames were quickly extinguished by residents, authorities ordered the evacuation for safety inspections, leaving approximately 400 occupants—including children, elderly individuals, disabled residents, and families—temporarily homeless.

Spin Time Labs, which functions as a multi-purpose social centre offering services such as a food bank, restaurant, co-working spaces, and migration assistance, has long been a target of the current Italian government, led by Giorgia Meloni. Her administration, identified with far-right politics, has intensified efforts to crack down on squatted buildings, viewing them as potential hubs for illegal activities. The building's eviction is also the result of two ongoing judicial seizure orders—one concerning a protracted legal dispute initiated by the private owner seeking to regain possession, and another related to the fire incident.

The evacuation has sparked protests and calls for intervention from various Italian cultural figures and activists. Notably, Roberto Saviano, an author critical of Meloni’s government, visited the site and described Spin Time as a “symbol of democracy” rather than a source of criminal conduct. Prominent artists, including Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino, have appealed for the residents to be allowed access again or provided with alternative housing solutions. Rome’s city council, which supports Spin Time, has been actively responding by supplying camp beds, food, water, and medical assistance to displaced residents. Officials are also exploring the possibility of purchasing the building to preserve its social initiatives.

The centre has previously attracted attention when Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, an aide to the late Pope Francis, famously restored electricity to the occupied building in 2019—a gesture that drew ire from Matteo Salvini, then interior minister and current deputy prime minister.

Residents, many of whom rely on Spin Time as a vital support network, have spoken about the hardship caused by the eviction amid the summer heat. Petronela Podaro, a domestic worker from Romania now camped outside, highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, noting the lack of employment opportunities contributes to their precarious situation. Marco Perilli, a construction worker and one of the centre’s earliest residents, was among those who helped extinguish the fire and expressed frustration that the incident was used as justification for eviction. He criticized the government’s approach, saying it unfairly targets impoverished communities.

Volunteers and supporters emphasize that Spin Time offers far more than shelter. Benjamin Macshane, a British volunteer involved with the centre’s activities, pointed to the broad range of services, including an after-school club, auditorium, and barbershop, underscoring the centre’s role as a significant community resource.

As negotiations and legal proceedings continue, the displaced residents face ongoing uncertainty while local authorities and activists work to identify a longer-term solution.