Press ReleasesSan Diego Rapid Response Network, Jewish Family Service of San Diego Appeal for Volunteers Amid Immigration Processing Increase Multiple Paid Positions Also Available at Major Social Services Nonprofit
SAN DIEGO (March 22, 2021) – We need your help serving vulnerable asylum seekers! San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) Migrant Shelter Services, operated by Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), has announced an urgent need for volunteers and additional staff.
“We remain committed to welcoming asylum seekers into the United States and helping them travel to their loved ones across the U.S., with public health as the top priority. The last two weeks have been exceptionally challenging. In order to serve the hundreds of asylum seekers in our care, more volunteers and staff are needed,” said Michael Hopkins, CEO of Jewish Family Service. “We continue to work with all levels of government and our partners to determine how we can all best meet needs. It is critical that the federal government continue to work to rebuild and reimagine our country’s broken asylum and immigration systems, including the processes for migrant shelter services across the border region.”
Job openings such as shelter services manager, coordinator and assistant can be viewed at www.jfssd.org/careers. Vital volunteer needs include airport guides, patient advocates and couriers are at www.jfssd.org/helpnow.
Since March 1, SDRRN Migrant Shelter Services has assisted more than 1,700 asylum seekers, compared to 490 migrants served for the month of February. Services provided to the increased numbers of asylum seekers in SDRRN’s care include: COVID testing, respite shelter, case management, financial and travel assistance, legal support and general medical assistance, in partnership with the State of California, County of San Diego Public Health and UCSD Health.
SDRRN began providing shelter services in October 2018 and has served over 25,000 asylum seekers.
Support from public and private philanthropy makes this work possible. Learn more at www.rapidresponsesd.org.
About the San Diego Rapid Response Network
The San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) is a coalition of human rights and service organizations, attorneys, and community leaders dedicated to aiding immigrants and their families in the San Diego border region. Core partners for SDRRN include ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties, Employee Rights Center, Jewish Family Service of San Diego, SEIU Local 221 and San Diego Organizing Project.
San Diego is the largest land border crossing in the world and has been a highly active location for deportations and rights violations by Customs Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). SDRRN was activated to respond to increased immigration enforcement within San Diego County and humanitarian issues arising at the border, including widespread family separation and unjust deportation of asylum seekers arriving at the Port-of-Entry.
A 24-hour hotline is available for individuals to call, should they or someone they know be experiencing an immigration emergency (e.g. raid, arrest, checkpoint and/or harassment): 619-536-0823.
For non-emergency immigration legal assistance inquiries, local immigrants are encouraged to call SDRRN’s pro bono legal assistance line: 858-637-3365.
For more information or to donate, visit www.rapidresponsesd.org.
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to over 34,000 San Diegans this past year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families in crisis move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency adapted, revised and expanded its services to focus on what was needed most, including critical food assistance through a no-touch drive-thru distribution, meal delivery and self-care support for seniors, safe spaces for people living out of their vehicles, and employment services and counseling. From response to recovery, JFS will be there for the community and offer much needed relief and vital necessities. Together, we will make it through this.
To get help, volunteer or support JFS, visit www.jfssd.org or call 858-637-3000.
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