IMCA Helps 130 Men in Cancún’s Street Community

Have you noticed the men sleeping in the shadows of Cancún’s beaches and downtown areas? The Instituto Municipal Contra las Adicciones (IMCA) has been providing a lifeline to around 130 men in similar situations since April. Alberto Ortuño Baez, the director of IMCA, shared that these men range in age from 30 to 65, and many struggle with alcohol, marijuana, and crystal meth.

The IMCA runs an albergue, or shelter, with 50 beds, but demand is high, with 40 to 45 people staying there regularly. This number can reach 100% capacity during certain periods. Once individuals are in the shelter, IMCA works with partner organizations to help those who need a more extended stay in specialized rehabilitation centers.

While the IMCA is making strides in addressing this issue, the mobility of the street community makes it challenging to get an accurate count of how many people are truly in need. Still, their efforts are crucial for the wellbeing of the men living in these conditions.