It was announced on Friday, Oct. 21, that Catholic Charities has a new Refugee Resettlement Services building on Avenue B in San Antonio, just blocks from Historic Pearl. It will complement the Migrant Center on San Pedro Avenue, also operated by Catholic Charities. Interestingly, there has been NO public input at City Council regarding both the projects and facilities.
Because Catholic Charities, a nonprofit, owns and operates the facilities, the city’s open records laws do not apply. Citizens cannot obtain information about its funding and operations, even though it is public money.
The two centers serve different categories of "immigrants." The new Refugee Resettlement Services building will help immigrants who are referred by the federal government and who have refugee status. They get assistance with employment services, ESL classes, food, clothing, and other social services. The Migrant Center off San Pedro Avenue serves illegal aliens who crossed the Southern Border with short-term help to travel to other cities.