A parish in Logan Heights, California, has announced the opening of the Pope Francis Center, a new immigrant resource center aimed at addressing the community’s evolving needs. This initiative comes in response to the ongoing mass deportation efforts by the Trump administration, which have significantly impacted local immigrant populations. The center will serve as a “welcoming and supportive space,” connecting immigrants with vital resources from various government and nonprofit organizations, while also providing emotional and spiritual support.
The Pope Francis Center will collaborate with the American Bar Association’s Immigration Justice Project in San Diego, offering a range of legal services. These include legal screenings, orientations, and advice for immigrants navigating a complex system. The center is part of a broader commitment by Our Lady of Guadalupe parish to support its large immigrant congregation and the surrounding community.
Addressing Community Challenges
For over a year, the parish had operated an off-site migrant shelter to assist asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. However, the situation shifted dramatically when President Donald Trump eliminated the CBP One appointment system, leading to a significant decrease in migrant arrivals and ultimately the shelter’s closure. This prompted the Rev. Scott Santarosa, of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to reassess the community’s needs. He emphasized that responding to the administration’s deportation plans became a priority.
The Pope Francis Center is set to officially open on Monday, located just steps from the parish. The building, which previously housed a convent, was once considered for a shelter specifically for migrant women and children, but plans were put on hold amid changing circumstances at the border. Named after the late Pope Francis, a strong advocate for immigrants and refugees, the center aims to embody warmth and welcome, as reflected in its logo featuring an open arm.
Programs and Support Services
The establishment of the center follows the launch of the Faithful Accompaniment in Trust and Hope (FAITH) program. Initiated in August, this program involves religious leaders and volunteers accompanying immigrants to court hearings and check-in appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in downtown San Diego. The program, which started as a pilot with around 100 volunteers, has expanded to include 465 volunteers who are committed to providing support in these critical situations.
Brinkley Johnson, the founding manager of the Pope Francis Center, noted that individuals seeking assistance often come from mixed-status families or are recent arrivals who may not have personal ties to the church. Nonetheless, they have learned about the parish’s outreach efforts. The Immigration Justice Project, led by interim director Laura Flores, plans to work closely with the center, assessing community needs over the first three months to tailor services effectively.
The two-story facility will feature offices, counseling rooms, meeting spaces, a childcare area, and a chapel. For those unable to visit in person, the center will offer information via phone or its website. Funding for the center’s services is anticipated to come from charitable donations, reflecting the community’s commitment to supporting its vulnerable members.
With the Pope Francis Center, Our Lady of Guadalupe parish is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the urgent needs of immigrants in Logan Heights and beyond, reinforcing the community’s dedication to compassion and support.
