Catholic Charities of San Antonio Denies Misusing FEMA Funds for Migrants' Airfare

Catholic Charities of San Antonio has denied allegations that it misused federal funds from the FEMA Shelter and Services Program to purchase plane tickets for asylum seekers crossing the border. The organization claims that providing transportation for migrants was allowed under the previous Emergency Food and Shelter Program grant rules, but it has since stopped the practice due to limited funding and new restrictions under the current program.

U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar and Monica De La Cruz have accused Catholic Charities of San Antonio of inappropriately using funds meant to reimburse nonprofits and municipalities for food, shelter, and humanitarian expenses. "The money was intended for humanitarian relief, not to purchase airfare," stated Rep. De La Cruz.

Catholic Charities confirmed it did help migrants with air travel in the past, but maintained this was permitted under FEMA's previous grant rules. "The transportation of migrants was allowed under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program grant rules," the organization said in a statement. However, due to limited funding and a 5% cap on transportation spending under the new Shelter and Services Program, Catholic Charities has ceased paying for migrants' airfare.

Why this matters: The controversy highlights the challenges faced by nonprofits and local governments in providing aid to the increasing number of asylum seekers at the southern border. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of federal funds and the need for clear guidelines on allowable expenses.

Lawmakers have expressed frustration over the use of taxpayer money for migrant flights, leading to a 20% decrease in funding for the Shelter and Services Program this fiscal year. Catholic Charities of San Antonio has received $10.8 million in additional FEMA funding for its temporary shelter, which provides various services to migrants. However, the organization has not provided details on the extent of its past spending on airline tickets for migrants.

Migrant Support Strain: As more migrants gather in San Antonio due to the changes in transportation assistance, Catholic Charities faces increased challenges in providing necessary services like shelter, food, and clothing. The organization denies any wrongdoing and maintains that it will use the funds to provide essential humanitarian aid to those in need.

Key Takeaways

• Catholic Charities of San Antonio denies misusing federal funds to buy migrants' airfare.
• Lawmakers accuse Catholic Charities of inappropriately using funds meant for humanitarian relief.
• Catholic Charities claims airfare purchases were allowed under previous FEMA grant rules.
• Funding cuts and new restrictions have led Catholic Charities to stop paying for migrants' airfare.
• The controversy highlights challenges in providing aid to asylum seekers and the need for clear guidelines on federal fund use.