Dominguez asks Biden to find humanitarian solutions for migrants

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Astrid Dominguez, executive director of Good Neighbor Settlement House in Brownsville, says she met briefly with President Biden on his recent visit to her city.

Speaking at a press conference held to discuss the visit, Dominguez said she asked the president to come up with humanitarian solutions when considering  any change in policy towards migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. 

The news conference was hosted by the City of Brownsville.

“I had a chance to very briefly meet the President. And I did ask him to look for humanitarian solutions. We know that, of course, lawmakers are working to make sure that they get their part of the deal done. But, I think for us advocates and humanitarian organizations, it’s important that we keep those humanitarian solutions also in mind when looking for those long term solutions,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez said Good Neighbor Settlement House (GNSH) supports the City of Brownsville in welcoming migrants. She also ran through the numbers of migrants GNSH has helped in recent years. 

“Since 2021 we have assisted more than 200,000. Last year, Good Neighbor Settlement House received over 102,000 migrants. In 2022, it was over 85,000.”

Dominguez said this couldn’t be done without a collaborative effort between various non-governmental organizations and the City of Brownsville. 

“This is a partnership. And it is in everybody’s best interest to support the migrants in a humane, kind and efficient way so that we can help them get onward and then to their destination which, at the end of the day, that is what they’re looking for.”

Astrid Dominguez

GNSH provides humanitarian support to the migrants passing through Brownsville, Dominguez explained. 

“We provide meals, toiletries, any other items that they might need that, when they arrive, they’re lacking. Sometimes, for example, they’re lacking shoelaces. They’re lacking jackets. They are lacking clothing,” Dominguez said.

“All of us have a role in this to make sure that the migrants can get to their destination in a dignified way.”

By treating migrants with dignity, Dominguez added, GNSH is helping the cities to the north that will be receiving them later on their journey.

Good Neighbor Settlement House was established in 1953 by the First United Methodist Church in Brownsville, Texas. According to the nonprofit’s website, it was created to provide basic services to the Buena Vida neighborhood, the poorest neighborhood in Brownsville.

“As Brownsville evolved, a growing homeless population meant that many men and women were on the streets. Good Neighbor Settlement House has expanded its role to include serving the hungry and the homeless population of Brownsville,” the website states.

The GNSH website also lists the group’s mission, core values, and vision. 

Its mission is “to give clients hope by offering a community of empowerment through providing meals, basic needs, outreach, and support services, while creating a legacy of positive change for Brownsville.”

With regard to core values, the website states: “Good Neighbor Settlement House exists to provide help, hope, and opportunity to men, women, and children in need. Services are offered to the near homeless and homeless in our community.” It lists three core values:

1. We believe that all services are to be provided with good manners, a cordial attitude, and respect. Non-judgmental attitudes are to be displayed. 
2. We believe that addictions can be overcome through prayer, medical treatment, and deep, abiding, healthy relationships. 
3. We believe that homelessness can be a temporary condition and that, when desired, can be overcome with personal healing, educational assistance, housing, and employment.

As for the group’s vision, the website states: “Helping people help themselves, with dignity and compassion, one client at a time.”

The website also lists a message from Dominguez:

“Since its inception in 1953, Good Neighbor Settlement House has helped and served those in need. We started by helping the community at Buena Vida Barrio, but as Brownsville grew, GNSH has correspondingly evolved and expanded its services to include serving the hungry, unsheltered, and migrants.

“Nowadays we are a beacon of hope and love for many in our community. We strive to empower our clients with the support and tools they need to overcome homelessness once they are ready and prepared. Moreover, we aim to offer some respite to migrants who just arrived in our country.

“I am humbled to be leading such an amazing organization that is deeply committed to serving those who need it the most. I celebrate and will always be committed to our ethos of compassion and dignity.

“We are a community united to end homelessness, one person at a time.”

The post Dominguez asks Biden to find humanitarian solutions for migrants appeared first on Rio Grande Guardian.