Despite a steep drop in border encounters, San Diego’s migrant support services are raking in millions. With $43 million in fresh federal funding, these local charities are gearing up for an influx—whether it happens or not.
Funding for Migrant Support Effort
Two San Diego charities have secured federal funding to help shelter and support recent immigrants to the city, according to an announcement from Democratic Representative Juan Vargas on Wednesday.
FEMA SSP Fund
An additional $43 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Shelter and Services Program (SSP) has been given to the Jewish Family Service of San Diego and the Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego.
Humanitarian Services in San Diego
Both organizations have been providing charitable and humanitarian services to newly arrived migrants in San Diego, most of whom are undocumented and awaiting immigration court proceedings.
“Respect, Dignity, and Humanity”
“Everyone seeking asylum and refuge in the United States should be treated with respect, dignity and humanity,” said Vargas. “This badly needed funding will help San Diego nonprofits continue to provide migrant communities with food, shelter and other critical services.”
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities, which received $21 million in this latest round of funding, has been operating respite shelters for migrants since April 2021. It previously received $19 million in funding from the SSP in April.
“Critical” Funding
Catholic Charities CEO Appaswamy “Vino” Pajanor has described the fresh funding as “critical” in helping the organization support tens of thousands of people in the coming year.
Serving Vulnerable Families
“This critical funding supports us to continue our mission of serving the most vulnerable families and individuals, who receive comprehensive trauma-informed care at our Migrant Respite Shelters,” Pajanor said in a public statement.
360,000 People Helped
According to Pajanor, the organization has provided shelter for more than 360,000 people in 146 countries since April 2021. So far it has supported 95,000 in the 2024 fiscal year.
Jewish Family Service
The Jewish Family Service (JFS) is a nationwide nonprofit human services organization. Its San Diego chapter operates the San Diego Rapid Response Network Migrant Shelter, which also provides recently-arrived migrants with temporary shelter.
Starting a New Life
The JFS received the remaining $22 million in funding, according to FEMA, to help migrants in San Diego find their footing and go on to establish a new life, whether temporarily or permanently, in the US.
The SSP
The SSP is a federal program that provides funding for non-federal entities that provide support for migrants who have been recently processed by the US Border Patrol.
Three Agencies Involved
The fund was a joint effort created by the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Established in 2023
It was established last year to address the rising migrant crisis, as record-high numbers of undocumented migrants were recorded crossing the southern border between the US and Mexico.
$300 Million Annually
Each year FEMA plans to reward $300 million nationally through the fund. Both the Catholic Charities and the County of San Diego received funding in April.
Steep Drop in Crossing Encounters
Border encounters have dropped dramatically in recent months, with July seeing 40% fewer encounters since the month before. However, FEMA has still judged San Diego as one of the most important areas in the country to address migrant issues.
Busiest in the Southwest
The border crossing between San Diego and Baja California is currently the busiest at the southwestern border, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Better Able to Help Everyone
While numbers have decreased, Catholic Charities and the JFS won’t have any less work to do. Instead, they will now have more capacity to take in all of the new migrants who have recently passed through Border Patrol checks, instead of only having capacity for the most vulnerable people.
Rep Jacobs Announces
Democratic Rep. and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs also announced the funding, stressing its importance in helping migrants find safety and security after an often-grueling border crossing.
Helping Community Organizations
“This grant plays a crucial role in supporting our San Diego community organizations who work tirelessly every day to provide migrants and asylum seekers with a respectful and humane quality of life as they determine their next steps,” she said in a press release.
Fighting for Immigration Reform
“I am proud to secure these additional funds for San Diego as I continue to fight for effective immigration reform that supports our border communities,” Jacobs continued.
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