Conceived by the ex-truck driver and medium, Tia Neiva (born Neiva Chaves Zelaya—died 1985), it was installed in its present location in 1969. The Valley occupies an area belonging to the government of the Federal District. There are approximately 500 residents, many of whom, according to the official web site, are abandoned children taken in by Tia Neiva. A juridical entity, called "Lar das Crianças de Matildes", was created to give legality to the community. Around the Valley there is a community of approximately 20,000 people, many of whom work or have connections to the Valley.