SAN DIEGO — During the last three years, Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego helped more than 360,000 people from more than 146 countries. They help those processed and released by the Department of Homeland Security at the border.
"We provide them shelter and care, which includes hot meals, medical care for them to get them examined for whatever ailments they might have and also connect them to their final destination, to their sponsors, to reunite with their families or their friends," CEO Vino Pajanor said.
The nearly $21.6 million grant is from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Shelter and Service Program, or SSP. This is in addition to the $19.6 million the organization was awarded by the SSP in April.
"This SSP funding allows us to sustain that program so that we are able to provide the services, the secure and care for these asylum seekers processed and released by Department of Homeland Security," Pajanor said.
From June to July, there was a significant drop in migrant encounters at the southern border, although San Diego was still the busiest Border Patrol sector according to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Since there's less people than usual, Pajanor said Catholic Charities has been picking up every person who is processed at the border.
"That's why for the past few weeks you've not seen any street releases because all of them are coming to Catholic Charities," Pajanor said. "Our team is able to help them to unite with their final destination, sponsors or acquaintances."
Catholic Charities said in addition to helping migrants, it also helps the homeless population in San Diego from growing.
"Imagine adding 360,000 to our streets for them not to have any kind of an idea where they need to book a flight, where they need to go," Pajanor said.
Catholic Charities migrant shelters offers short-term care, but the team helps migrants reach their final destination they can call home.
"Hopefully this funding that has come through the SSP will ensure the Catholic Charities continues the migrant desperation so that we don't have any more street releases in San Diego," Pajanor said.
WATCH RELATED: County to vote on additional funding for migrant services