### Desayunador del Padre Chava No Recibe Apoyo Gubernamental en 2024
The Salesian dining hall known as Desayunador del Padre Chava, which provides over a thousand breakfasts daily to migrants and homeless individuals, has not received any government support or funds so far in 2024, according to Claudia Portela, the director of the facility.
“These government supports have not come through. We have submitted food aid projects at the state level, but haven’t received a single cent,” Portela stated.
In addition to offering daily meals, the Salesian project also provides accommodation to more than 200 residents in two shelters operating within Tijuana. Portela emphasized that it is primarily civil society organizations that meet the needs of this vulnerable population, without the necessary backing from responsible government bodies.
“There is a need for support from governmental organizations because we are essentially doing their job for them,” she emphasized.
The project has approached the business sector for support and to demonstrate their work, but have encountered limitations from the SAT (Tax Administration Service) when it comes to providing tax-deductible receipts for donations received.
Portela expressed gratitude for the continuous support from local citizens and other civil organizations such as the Tijuana Food Bank, which has allowed them to keep their operations running.
The Desayunador Salesiano had previously announced a potential closure in 2023 due to insufficient operational funds. Though the situation has slightly improved, ongoing difficulties remain, particularly in meeting service and medication costs.
The combined cost to operate the dining hall and shelters amounts to 400,000 pesos per month, while the state government typically provides only 250,000 pesos annually in a single payment. Unfortunately, this aid has not been received yet this year.
Portela also added that they face challenges in healthcare provisions due to a lack of suitable medication donations, making it necessary for the project to purchase the required treatments.
### Migrants in Tijuana Struggle Without Humanitarian Card Renewal
With the failure to renew the Humanitarian Card, many migrants in Tijuana are being pushed into the informal economy. This lack of renewal is creating additional strain on already vulnerable communities, making it even more challenging for local organizations like Desayunador del Padre Chava to provide essential services.
### Local Initiatives Continue to Support Vulnerable Populations
Local efforts continue to emerge to support these communities. For instance, a recent athletic run was organized to deliver food to foster homes and shelters across Tijuana. This initiative highlights the ongoing community efforts to uphold living standards in the face of governmental support deficiencies.
### Increasing Need for Governmental Accountability and Support
The issues faced by Desayunador del Padre Chava and similar organizations underline the urgent need for greater governmental accountability and support. Ensuring that vital services continue for the vulnerable populations in Tijuana should be a collective responsibility, involving both state and civil society actors.
For more updates and detailed information, visit TJGringo.com.
—
These summaries of local news provide context on the challenges faced by civil organizations in Tijuana, focusing on the lack of state support for critical services and the grassroots efforts to fill this gap.