SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Democratic Rep. Juan Vargas of San Diego on Wednesday announced $43,675,626 in additional funding for the Shelter and Services Program for nongovernmental organizations that assist migrants awaiting trial in immigration court.

Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego received $21,598,261 and Jewish Family Service of San Diego received $22,077,365 in SSP funds to assist newly arrived migrants. These funds – which will be used for essentials such as food, shelter, clothing, medical care and transportation – are in addition to the more than $39 million in SSP funds announced in April.

“Everyone seeking asylum and refuge in the United States should be treated with respect, dignity, and humanity. This much-needed funding will help San Diego nonprofits continue to provide food, shelter, and other essential services to migrant communities,” Vargas said. “As always, I will continue to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the root causes of migration, restores trust in our legal immigration system, and creates a path to citizenship for Dreamers, temporary protected status holders, and farmworkers.”

SSP funding is provided by the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The agencies awarded $300 million nationwide.

In April, San Diego County and the Catholic Diocese of San Diego County each received $19,592,554.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors allocated $3 million in October 2023 and another $3 million in December 2023 to operate a temporary Migrant Transitional Center. After that center closed due to lack of funding, Vargas advocated for a state-funded migrant transitional center, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors on February 27.

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