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Cold weather making migrants stay longer at Brownsville shelter

3 months 2 weeks 6 days ago Wednesday, January 17 2024 Jan 17, 2024 January 17, 2024 10:43 PM January 17, 2024 in News - Local

Efforts continue in Brownsville to get people out of the cold and into a warm place for the night. 

Andrea Rivera of Venezuela has been waiting at the Ozanam Center for the last two days for a bus to take her to New York.

Victor Maldonado, the executive director for the Ozanam Center, said this week’s Arctic blast is affecting the availability of the buses.

Several of the states that migrants plan to travel to are dealing with snow and icy conditions, forcing migrants staying at the Brownsville shelter to wait longer than usual. 

The Ozanam Center has been receiving 200 to 250 migrants daily. Two months ago, they saw fewer than 90 people. 

The shelter is open to the public, but Maldonado said most of the 275 people currently in the shelter are migrants. 

With the Ozanam Center at over capacity, they're using space wherever they can find it. 

Maldonado says he doesn't know when they'll be under capacity again, but they're prepared for the long haul. 

Those hoping to donate items to the Ozanam Center can call 956-831-6331 or drop them off at 656 N. Minnesota Ave.

Watch the video above for the full story. 

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