Budget cuts leave migrants stranded, adding to TX homeless crisis
The Migrant Resource Center in San Antonio, run by Catholic Charities, is grappling with a growing number of migrants. They have been left stranded in the city. Thus, adding to its homeless population. According to Antonio Fernandez, CEO of Catholic Charities, migrants arriving from the border are finding themselves without resources or a place to go. As a result, it’s an increase compared to previous years.
“We’ve seen a rise in people from places like Venezuela who are now homeless in San Antonio,” Fernandez stated. “They crossed the border with hopes but ended up with no means to travel to their intended destinations.”
The center ceased providing transportation for migrants in January. This happened after federal funding for bus and plane tickets was cut off. Now, there is a bigger issue of where the people will go.
“The government funding that previously supported their transportation is no longer available,” Fernandez explained.
Migrants can only stay at the center for up to 45 days. After that, they often end up on the streets. Fernandez emphasized the urgent need for local government intervention. Thus, suggesting that funding for onward travel could alleviate the problem.
As a result, the City of San Antonio acknowledged the issue, stating:
“We currently have no funds allocated for onward travel for asylum seekers.”
In addition, they added that local service providers have not reported a significant uptick in requests for assistance.
Without intervention, Fernandez fears the situation will worsen as more migrants are left stranded in the city.
Source: News 4 San Antonio
Budget cuts leave migrants stranded, adding to TX homeless crisis
