Migrants at Houston shelter could more than double after Title 42 ends, director says
Catholic Charities offers migrants a place to get food, clothing, toiletries, and a place to rest before flying to their final destination in the United States.
HOUSTON – The head of a Houston migrant shelter expects their numbers could more than double once Title 42 expires.
“Right now, we’re two buses down right now,” said Karina Hernandez, director of the Houston Transfer Center. “Next week, we’ll probably increase it to three or four. So probably later, five, but that’s going to be our capacity.
As of October 2022, Catholic Charities has been operating its own temporary shelter in secret hotels near the Bush Intercontinental Airport. It offers migrants a place to get food, clothing, toiletries, and a place to rest before flying to their final destination in the United States.
The migrants come from facilities in El Paso, Eagle Pass, and Casa Juan Diego in Houston, which is overcapacity. They have been reviewed by the Border Patrol and allowed to remain in the US for now.
Most arrive at the shelter with transport already arranged and paid for.
“Ninety-nine percent of those who arrive… when they arrive in the morning, they fly out that afternoon,” Hernandez said.
Every migrant must have a sponsor.
“That means they have a family member or friend who could protect them, take care of them until the court date, which some of them could be in a few weeks or several months,” Hernandez said.
Federal dollars cover the costs of the shelter.
Hernandez says he will ask for more funds at some point next week.
The top three destinations for migrants to transition shelter are New York, Chicago, then Houston.
The next bus will arrive Wednesday morning from Eagle Pass.
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