LOS ANGELES – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this week announced that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass secured federal support for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Clínica Romero, and the Central American Resource Center to assist immigrant families who recently arrived in Los Angeles in need of supportive services.
“The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Clínica Romero, and the Central American Resource Center have been on the frontlines providing assistance to new immigrant arrivals in our city,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “I want to thank Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security for their partnership and for providing these organizations in the L.A. region with support to provide life-saving assistance.”
“CHIRLA has worked together with LA City, LA County and community partners to receive our newly arrived migrant families,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director of CHIRLA. “We are committed with these resources to continue to receive our migrant community with efficiency and dignity they deserve”
“We are proud to partner with our sister organizations, the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles, in our continued efforts to ensure that newly arrived refugees and migrant families are welcomed with dignity,” said Martha Arevalo, CARECEN-LA Executive Director. "This support will be critical in helping us to continue to do the necessary humanitarian relief services and show how the community shows up for each other.”
“Clínica Romero is deeply honored to partner with the City of Los Angeles and excited to receive this crucial SSP funding award,” said Carlos Vaquerano, Chief Executive Officer at Clínica Romero. “This support will empower us to continue providing essential medical services to immigrant families as they arrive in our city, ensuring that they receive the care and dignity they deserve. We are committed to working closely with the city, county, and our community partners to create a healthier future for all. Healthcare is a Human Right.”
Mayor Bass appealed directly to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Acting Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and other White House officials to secure this support for local community organizations. For more information on the Shelter and Services Program, click here.