Imperial County non-profit eligible for federal funds through new program

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A new federal program is awarding $290 million to non-profit organizations and other groups that offer border humanitarian assistance.

And one local non-profit is eligible for millions of dollars

The Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego in the Imperial Valley is eligible for $5 million of federal funds to continue helping asylum seekers.

The shelter and services program is a joint effort through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FEMA, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

It’s to provide temporary shelter and other expenses for migrants who have been processed and released from DHS custody while awaiting their immigration hearings.  

Here in the Desert Southwest, Catholic Services of the Imperial Valley made the list and is grateful for the infusion of cash their organization could receive. 

Vino Pajanor, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of Imperial County said, “More than 55,000 have gone through the shelter just in Imperial County alone, and this money that is funding, that has been allocated will hopefully come and underwrite some of those costs for what Catholic Services has done in the Imperial County.” 

Catholic Charities have been assisting asylum seekers for at least two years, providing a variety of services.

“With a notice to appear and bring them back to our shelter, provides them medical care, provides them food, provides them shelter and then provides them the opportunity to connect with their sponsor across the country," said Pajanor.

Catholic Charities has served the Imperial Valley and San Diego for more than 100 years.