SAN ANTONIO — New federal dollars are coming to San Antonio, to support San Antonio groups and nonprofits providing services to migrants.
The FEMA's Shelter and Services program will be providing $17.8 million to multiple organizations.
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio which operates the Migrant Resource Center will be receiving the largest sum: $10 million.
The City of San Antonio asked for $58.5 million, significantly more funding than what was given.
"We're going to continue advocating for the federal government that is responsible to continue to support us in this work,” said City Council member Sukh Kaur, who represents District 1.
According to Kaur and Council member Adriana Rocha Garcia, who represents District 4, Catholic Charities is having to make budget cuts that will impact travel for migrants.
"Previously you would have known that regardless of where you kind of were going, the flights were covered. If there was someone there to receive you," Kaur said. "That's no longer the case. It also is what's attributing the lower cost, the lower number of people that we're actually seeing."
Rocha Garcia believes the current state of funding could prove to be an eventual crisis for San Antonio, pushing back on goals the city has set.
"That's what concerns me because folks will have to stay in San Antonio longer and they might try to stay here then permanently at that point," she said. "We are not prepared to take on so many people coming to San Antonio, expecting to find jobs and expecting to find homes, because the reality is that we are dealing with our own homelessness situation right now."
Both council members explained they will continue advocating for more federal dollars to go towards the Migrant Resource Center.
Catholic Charities released this statement following the announcement of funding:
"Catholic Charities is committed to serving all members of our community, regardless of race, religion, or national origin, from birth to natural death. The MRC Centro de Bienvenida is a temporary shelter that provides humanitarian aid to newcomers. Since September 2022, Catholic Charities has helped over 305,000 individuals. The 24/7 shelter provides safety, meals, hygiene kits, and blankets to those in need. Catholic Charities has secured an additional $10.8 million in funding from FEMA’s Shelter and Service Program.
This funding will ensure that newcomers receive necessary services, including shelter, food, and clothing. In addition to meeting basic needs, Catholic Charities provides wrap-around services such as trauma-informed care, mental health counseling, legal assistance, and pastoral care to those who may have experienced trauma. Catholic Charities is committed to serving the most vulnerable among us with love, dignity, and respect."
KENS 5 has reached out to Catholic Charities to confirm the impact the money will have to funding travel, and have not yet heard back.
The City of San Antonio will also be receiving $3 million, the San Antonio Food Bank will be receiving $2.4 million, Episcopal Diocese of West Texas will be receiving a little over one million, the Interfaith Welcome Coalition will receive $500,000 and the Corazon Ministries Inc will be receiving $10,000.