**Electricity Restored at Juventud 2000 Shelter**
In Tijuana, the Juventud 2000 migrant shelter has successfully reestablished its electricity supply after nearly 24 hours without power. The shelter’s director, José María García Lara, announced the restoration this Wednesday, bringing relief to the operatives and occupants following a day marked by concerns over unpaid electricity bills.
García Lara reported that the power was restored at 10:30 AM by the workers from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), who promptly left after completing their task. Representatives from the State’s Wellbeing Department visited the shelter, expressing a commitment to explore options for settling the shelter’s outstanding debt but did not provide concrete solutions immediately.
The shelter faced disconnection starting Tuesday morning at around 11 AM, which García Lara brought to public attention via a Facebook video. The shelter had accumulated a debt of 21,000 pesos over the last two months, a significant increase from previous bills, which rose from 16,000 pesos to the current amount. This financial strain is a result of budget cutbacks initiated since the previous federal administration in 2019, leaving shelters like Juventud 2000 struggling to cover operational costs.
Electricity is crucial for the shelter’s day-to-day activities, such as food preservation, lighting, and ensuring connectivity for migrants to maintain communication with relatives and use applications like CBP One.
In a hopeful step towards resolution, the CFE has officially confirmed the restoration of the power supply, easing the operational pressures faced by Juventud 2000. García Lara remains hopeful that future federal budgets will address the financial support needed for shelters and migrant aid organizations nationwide, especially with the anticipation of possible government initiatives under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
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**Related News: Government Efforts and Challenges in Supporting Migrant Shelters**
The restored energy supply at Juventud 2000 highlights the broader challenges facing migrant shelters throughout Mexico. These shelters play a vital role in supporting individuals in transit, yet they face significant financial hurdles exacerbated by the withdrawal of federal aid and increasing operational costs.
In parallel developments, the Mexican federal government has been urged to fortify financial assistance to non-profit organizations aiding migrants. Advocacy groups emphasize the importance of integrating comprehensive financial support in upcoming budgets to ensure that shelters can maintain essential services without compromising their ability to serve communities in need.
Moreover, in the regions along the border with the United States, particularly Baja California, government authorities are actively evaluating the socio-economic conditions affecting both local residents and migrants. The push for increased financial aid is intertwined with broader discussions on future economic strategies, especially under current and incoming administrations.
As these discussions continue, the necessity for reliable infrastructure and financial backing becomes more critical, providing an opportunity for enhanced governmental collaboration and public support in addressing these migration challenges.