JUAREZ, Mexico (Border Report) — Seventy migrants staying at Juarez shelters now have temporary jobs, thanks to a COVID-19 emergency employment program.
The program is being implemented at the Good Samaritan, Bread of Life, Holy Spirit and San Mateo church-based shelters in Juarez, said Dirving Garcia, coordinator of migrant services for the state of Chihuahua.
Since last week, those migrants with medical skills — and there are a number of Cuban doctors and registered nurses staying at the shelters — have been screening new arrivals for illness. Others receive a stipend for sanitizing the premises, cooking meals and doing structural repairs, Garcia said.
The stipend comes up to about $10 a day per migrant and their employment has been guaranteed for the next 60 days by a state grant.
Garcia said shelter officials are seeking donations from private donors and the public to continue the jobs program when the grant runs out.
