Texas

Kathleen, Erin, Cathy and I have struggled as to how to communicate our recent experience.  We just returned from McAllen, Texas, after volunteering for seven days at the Humanitarian Respite Center.  We are trying to be sensitive that we not draw attention or adulation to ourselves.  However, we all feel strongly that we have a moral obligation to promote the tremendous work that the Center does.

In brief, the Respite Center assists families after they have spent 4-6 weeks traveling to the U.S. Border during a time when the daytime temperatures are over 100 degrees.  Typically they then spend an additional 3-7 days in one of four area detention centers.  They are vetted by immigration and upon their release, these young families arrive at the Respite Center.  If they ever had sleeping bags, ruck sacks, backpacks or purses at this point they have been confiscated - along with their belts and even their shoelaces.  These people, most with little children, arrive with absolutely nothing - nothing.

  

The Humanitarian Respite Center welcomes them (sometimes with applause), offers them safety, shelter, a shower, food, a mat upon which they can rest and a change of used clothing including, donated shoes, new socks and underwear.  If a medical person is available they can be seen.  There are also trained people who will help them get in contact with their sponsor and arrange transportation to their final destination.  Some will leave the same day, many spend the night on the mats or in chairs.

   

Please consider helping the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas.  Here is a link to their contact information:

Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley

Checks:  Specify for the Humanitarian Respite Center

                700 N. Virginia de San Juan Blvd.

                San Juan, TX. 78589

Donations: Especially shoes, deodorant, small shampoos, leggings and belts

                    Humanitarian Respite Center 

                    115 S. 15th St.

                    McAllen, TX.  78501

Website:  financial donations can be made on this website

                  CatholicCharitiesRGV.org

                  Includes a link to Amazon to donate items

While unpacking donations one day I came across a note which read, "These clothes are donated in memory of my mother, Mary, who would be disgusted by the way we are treating people".