Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The System for Integral Family Development of Puerto Vallarta (DIF) recently inaugurated La Oficina de Enlace para Personas en Situación de Calle (a 'street people' liaison office) in order to prevent and treat people living on the streets, as well as eliminate marginal urban businesses.

According to the president of DIF Vallarta, Magaly Fregoso, the purpose of the office is to provide different opportunities for people living on the streets, to enable them to earn a legitimate income, and to help them to understand the risk and vulnerability to hazards of living on the streets.

As an institution of social assistance, the office will serve as a liaison for the attention of people with disabilities, street performers, the homeless, the mentally ill, and children. To this end, specialized personnel will be available to answer questions and direct them to the relevant agencies, so users can resolve their situation and stop living and working in the public eye.

Néstor Rodrigo Gomez Villa, the DIF's judicial subdirector and liaison office coordinator, reported that to date they have treated 45 people, of which only six are from this city. He said that they also support people in a 'street situation' by helping with all of the formalities of receiving aid from city, state and federal agencies, including the DIF itself.

In addition, they will provide these individuals with advice and guidance for obtaining a birth certificate, voter credentials, and Seguro Popular (medical insurance).