### Desayunador Salesiano Cuts Medical Services Due to Funding Shortage; Appeals for Public Assistance
The Desayunador Salesiano, a community service located in the central area, has experienced budget constraints which have forced a reduction in health services. As reported by Claudia Portela, the general administrator for the Salesian Project in Tijuana, the shortage of funds has impacted their ability to provide essential medications to those in need.
The Desayunador serves 800 breakfasts daily, catering particularly to people experiencing homelessness and mobility issues. The administration has asked the public for donations, emphasizing the need for jackets, blankets, cleaning supplies, and vegetables like onions and tomatoes to support their ongoing efforts.
Portela highlighted that the donations have significantly decreased following the Covid-19 pandemic, further affecting their ability to provide medical care, one of the more costly services they offer. “We have had to make cuts in several areas,” she stated, “particularly medical care, which is expensive and sometimes beyond our capability.”
The Salesian Project in Tijuana extends beyond the breakfast service, offering a community center for those in mobility contexts, and operates two shelters—one for transient men and another for women and children who are vulnerable or in a similar context.
Despite these challenges, Claudia Portela expressed optimism about closing the year on a positive note. She emphasized the project’s philosophy of providing comprehensive support to anyone who approaches them and the refusal to close doors on anyone in need.
### Growing Need for Funding in Tijuana Amid Economic Challenges
The shortage of funds for Desayunador Salesiano is part of a broader economic struggle in Tijuana, where over 2,500 people are estimated to be living on the streets in the city center alone. Despite the dire need, the Desayunador has not received governmental support in 2024, intensifying the reliance on public donations to sustain their operations.
Increased mobility in the area has been noted, with more people arriving in Tijuana aiming to cross into the United States. Activists have pointed to a backlog of individuals waiting to request asylum in the U.S., with many having waited over six months. This upswing in mobility highlights the importance of Desayunador’s services and the critical need for community support.
Locally, security measures are being enhanced, as new safety filters are set to be implemented at the Otay and San Ysidro border crossings. In addition, reports suggest a rise in street incidents and concerns over illegal activities such as the sale of vape products and attempts to smuggle cannabis through checkpoints.
In these challenging times, community involvement through donations and advocacy is essential to aid institutions like Desayunador Salesiano in maintaining their crucial services for the city’s most vulnerable populations.