From the Independent Producer Project of KCRW and KCRW.com, I'm Bob Carlson, and this is Unfictional.

Unfictional is a program of true stories and personal documentaries and on this

episode the Spanish City of Barcelona it's known for historic architecture, world-class soccer team, beaches,

great weather, millions of tourists visit every year. But this city was also hit hard by the global financial crisis. Its homeless problem exploded.

Thousands of people sleep on the streets every night.

On this episode, we'll hear from a man who knows all about that kind of thing.

And now he makes it his business to show the world what's really going on in Barcelona

as an alternative tour guide.

Producer Steve Erkett goes along a journey that steers away from the tourist trails

through side streets and back alleys to soup kitchens and hostels and not only does

Steve discover some of the city's hidden truths but he also learns there's a

lot to uncover about the tour guide himself.

From KCRW.com, it's unfictional and Barcelona,

the view from the streets. When you are on the streets,

when you are on the street you are judged, mistreated.

And people, they don't know your background.

And even myself, I never think that's going to happen in that way. But maybe we can do something about that way. But maybe we can do something about. Barcelona. It's Sunday morning, 8 o'clock.

Most people are still asleep in bed, but many are sleeping on the streets.

They're sheltering on church steps, benches,

in doorways, sleeping bags, cardboard boxes, usually surrounded by blankets, old paper

cops, and pigeons. engines.

As the sun rises, police fans arrive to move them along. And the problem is hidden away.

...