The Councillor for Social Services, Eva Funes, has highlighted the fundamental support from organizations such as Cáritas, Cruz Roja, Jaén Acoge, Poblado Mundo, and Inserta in shaping this initiative. There is confidence that the Regional Government of Andalusia's recommendation to open shelters in the province, promoted in the Provincial Forum for Migrant Persons, will be met.
The work to establish this system began in late spring and has been fully refined in recent weeks through meetings between technical staff and the third sector. Unlike other municipalities, the Municipal Reception Center in Jaén, the operational hub for the city's support system, operates year-round with approximately 50 places.
The councillor explained that the center's capacity will be progressively increased to 170 places, offering a stay of up to four nights and five days. After the San Lucas Fair, the Jaén Arena venue will be added as an additional resource if needed.
Funes expressed confidence that the situation will not be repeated as last year, when the city had to solely manage provincial-level resources for over a month. The provincial network's activation is set between November 2nd and 6th, a date that, while not ideal for capital coordination, is an improvement from last year when activation was delayed until November 17th-21st.
The seasonal worker support campaign in the capital lasts twice as long as what the Regional Government of Andalusia finances with its own resources. Therefore, the efficient management of municipal resources depends heavily on regional coordination with other municipalities in the shelter network, and the responsibility for correct operation in the capital also lies with the Forum's direction.
The Jaén City Council will allocate specific personnel to this system, including cleaning staff, cooks, and monitors for attention, information, and orientation tasks. This is complemented by the collaboration of the security forces and bodies and the invaluable work of social entities with individuals found to be on the streets.
Furthermore, the information point at the bus station will commence operations after the San Lucas Fair. This area will have control and surveillance measures established in a working meeting with security forces and technical staff from the Patronato de Asuntos Sociales, who will also conduct street-level work.
