Paula Margarido Highlights Essential Work at Funchal's Porta Amiga Center
Madeira GuideRegional Secretary Paula Margarido recently visited Funchal's Porta Amiga Center, praising its comprehensive support for vulnerable groups including the unemployed, elderly, and homeless.
Paula Margarido, the Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Work, and Youth, visited the Centro Porta Amiga in Funchal on May 19, 2026. The center, a part of AMI's Regional Delegation, plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable populations on Madeira Island.
During her visit, Margarido was received by Cristina Menezes, the Technical Coordinator of the center. This visit is part of a series of field trips aimed at reinforcing connections with institutions working directly with the community.
The Porta Amiga Center focuses on assisting people facing unemployment, low income, homelessness, and those who are elderly or former inmates. It offers a wide range of services including temporary residential accommodation, a canteen, laundry facilities, bathing areas, a nursing dispensary, and multidisciplinary support in health, job placement, and psychological care.
Margarido emphasized the center's comprehensive and cross-cutting approach in addressing the needs of the island's most vulnerable residents. She was joined by Mara Rodrigues from the ISSM Board of Directors and Sílvia Soares, Director of the Department of Elderly Support at ISSM.
The Regional Secretary commended the institution's work, noting its importance in providing diverse solutions to those in need. She stressed the necessity of maintaining adaptable public inclusion policies to meet the evolving demands of the community.
The center's efforts are vital for both local residents and tourists who value social support networks in their travel destinations. Such initiatives not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also bolster Madeira's reputation as a caring and inclusive tourist destination.
This visit underscores the ongoing commitment of Madeira's government to support and strengthen social services across the region, ensuring that all residents have access to essential support systems.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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