Between 30 and 40 percent of this population suffer from some mental illness, while between 18 and 30 percent have dual pathologies (addiction and mental health), according to a report by the Mixed Institute of Social Assistance, cited by the open television channel Teletica.

The study reveals that more than half of these people live in San Jose, while 16.25 percent of them live in Alajuela, and identifies Puntarenas as the province with the third highest number of cases.

Faced with this situation, Vice President and Minister of Health Mary Munive announced the National Coordination Pilot Plan, which requires public entities to respond to vulnerable people.

The initiative takes as a reference the work carried out by the National Institute for Women and the National Children’s Trust, which “have managed to reduce their homeless populations.”

The Plan also provides for the provision of facilities to address the needs of these individuals, including shelters and a 24/7 coordination platform.

Speaking to the national press, Munive announced that from now on, local governments will be “tested,” criticizing them for their response to the problem so far “has been null.”

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