Cancún, Mexico — Municipal authorities in Cancún are maintaining permanent operations to assist homeless individuals during recent cold temperatures, targeting a vulnerable population facing abandonment, addiction, and lack of support networks.
Alberto Ortuño, director of the Municipal Institute Against Addictions, emphasized that this assistance policy began in 2018 under then-mayor Mara Lezama, now governor, and continues under current mayor Ana Paty Peralta.
Ortuño explained that daily operations occur across the city, from intersections and traffic lights to occupied lots where people seek shelter from the cold. Teams offer direct assistance including blankets, medical attention, and referrals to recovery programs with housing and food.
During the recent weekend, considered one of the coldest of the season, officials referred two individuals who accepted specialized care. However, Ortuño clarified that daily assistance numbers are higher, as work extends beyond institutionalization to continuous follow-up.
“We cannot force anyone to enter a shelter or recovery program against their will. Help is offered but must be accepted,” he explained. He added that municipal personnel continue visiting homeless individuals until they accept support.
Currently, institute teams conduct simultaneous field operations and coordinate with partner clinics. On average, each shift makes contact with about eight people, though numbers vary by day and weather conditions.
As part of strengthening this social strategy, Ortuño announced the upcoming opening of a specialized shelter for homeless men with addiction problems, featuring 50 beds to expand care capacity.
He stressed that assistance for homeless individuals is permanent rather than seasonal, remaining active during cold spells, extreme heat, or contingencies like hurricanes as part of the municipality’s sustained social policy.
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