SAN DIEGO — A church in San Diego has opened its doors and is taking in migrants. Our Lady Guadalupe in Logan Heights held a special Thanksgiving dinner for the people staying there.
The church never planned to start a shelter. But in the fall, migrants started sleeping outside on the front steps. Leaders from the church soon decided to help. The church is sheltering more than 30 men in their community building. It was converted into a shelter space with blow-up mattresses two months ago.
Different groups of churchgoers have volunteered to cook dinners each night.
"I'm all about making people feel loved because at the end of the day we're all human and that's what makes me really happy," said Maribel Reyes, who helped during the Thanksgiving Dinner.
Our Lady of Guadalupe spread holiday cheer by sharing an American tradition.
"It's something I feel very passionate about to be able to give back to the community," said Gabriela.
Pastor Scott Santarosa with the church said he felt a higher power call them into action.
"We felt like the spirit was calling us to do this," he said. "We've been asking what does it mean to be a Jesuit Catholic parish here so close to the border and it think this was a way God had us answer those prayers."
He said from the start parishioners have opened their hearts, and even their homes, to migrants in need. He's hopeful more people in the community will follow.
"It feels like a lot of people are saying this is the right thing I'm glad you all are doing this but I wish more would say I want to do this. I would encourage other churches in the San Diego area to take in migrant families," he said.
The church has no plans to stop what they’re doing for the migrants. If you are interested in helping, you can find more information and contact the church, here.
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