The kickoff of these sessions took place at 6:00 a.m. outside the "Padre Chava" Salesian Breakfast Room, where the Tijuana City Council provided specialized modules, food, haircuts, and information on support and programs from the Ministry of Welfare's offices, especially the Municipal Institute Against Addictions, offering professional therapeutic treatment.
With support from civil society organizations such as the Tactical Nurses, homeless people who attended the event were treated, and El Ancla Church also offered showering services.
Welfare
Gerardo López Montes, Municipal Welfare Secretary, explained that the goal of these events is to reach out to homeless people with addiction problems "and tell them that there are second chances, that this City Council does not violate human rights or exclude them, but on the contrary, it tells them that there is a helping hand so they can reintegrate into society."
The Ministry of Welfare reported that a total of 350 people received food assistance from the agency and the Municipal Social Development Directorate; 70 people received medical care; and 130 used the showers provided by El Ancla Church, in addition to receiving personal hygiene kits and clothing.
Seven homeless people agreed to voluntarily join the Therapeutic Community for the Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration of Addicts (COTRRSA). Two more were transferred to a shelter, and one person requested assistance to be transferred to their place of origin, with the full support of the Tijuana City Council.
The care sessions for homeless people with addiction problems will be held three times a week at strategic locations throughout the city.