How to Help Migrant Families When Entering the United States
In December, the US Immigration and Customs Administration released several hundred immigrants at Greyhound bus stations in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. Many of these people came from the US-Mexican border and were given the opportunity to try to find an affordable refuge after their release.
Unfortunately, local shelters were overwhelmed with requests, leaving many migrants stranded and deprived of basic resources.
“The government is not doing anything – it was a complete ‘get it done’ job,” Kevin Malone, co-founder of the San Diego Rapid Response Network, a coalition of nonprofit groups, told The New York Times . “People are working 24 hours a day trying to achieve this. Everyone is tied. “
Some non-profit organizations are experiencing such serious difficulties that they are forced to place migrants in temporary shelters and nearby hotels. At a press conference, Ruben Garcia, director of the Blagoveshchensk Home Shelter in El Paso, said the hotel’s monthly costs are $ 150,000 and are fully funded by donations.
This is a harrowing situation that requires immediate action, given the prospect of immigrants forced to spend the night on the street out of necessity. And while the current administration has yet to provide additional assistance, you can help these families by providing basic resources, including food and clothing.
The San Diego Rapid Response Network created GoFundMe to create a shelter with resources such as food, bedding, and showers.
The Catholic Diocese of San Diego has also launched a campaign and travel fund to get donations to pay families of migrants looking for essential bus and air travel around the country.
Shelters such as the Annunciation House are now accepting donations, new bras, underwear and socks, as well as fresh fruit and ready-made dinners.
The El Paso Community Foundation also established the Migrant Families Fund . The donation will be split between various legal services and immigrant shelter organizations.