SDRRN Responds to Need for Coordinated Response for Federal Funding

April 15, 2024

San Diego Rapid Response Network Statement
Re: New Federal Funding for Asylum-Seekers in San Diego

Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced $39.2 million in new federal funding to the San Diego region as part of its Shelter and Services Program.

These funds are a vital resource for the San Diego border region and, in particular, the local non-governmental organizations to maintain and sustain the infrastructure currently in place to assist people seeking asylum.

As a primary humanitarian service provider in the region since October 2018, the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) Migrant Shelter Services has long maintained that support from all levels of government is necessary to welcome people seeking asylum with dignity and respect.

“We look forward to coordinating with the County of San Diego regarding specifics on the allocations of funds and next steps for coordination of services to those seeking safety and temporary care in San Diego,” said CEO Michael Hopkins of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, operator of the SDRRN Migrant Shelter Services. “It is our expectation that the County uses this funding to sustain all our partners who have been doing this critical work. We also call on the County to harness the collective expertise of these organizations to support a sustainable plan going forward.”

To date, the SDRRN Migrant Shelter Services has welcomed more than 200,000 people seeking asylum with respite shelter, food, case management, medical and legal support, and travel coordination to be reunited with their loved ones across the U.S – all while prioritizing public health.

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