TITLE: Honoring the individuals who are providing humanitarian assistance to immigrants in McAllen.

SUMMARY: Honoring the individuals who are providing humanitarian assistance to immigrants in McAllen.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A number of caring individuals and organizations in McAllen have given generously of their time and resources to alleviate the crisis brought on by the recent wave of immigrants entering the Rio Grande Valley; and WHEREAS, During the past year, migrants--mostly families and unaccompanied children--have crossed the border in unforeseen numbers, many of them fleeing violence in their Central American home countries with the hope of gaining asylum in the U.S.; the sudden influx of immigrants has placed an overwhelming strain on the community, contributing to substandard and sometimes desperate conditions at the facilities used to house these men, women, and children; and WHEREAS, Across the city of McAllen and neighboring communities, civic and religious leaders have been stirred to respond to this humanitarian emergency with initiative and compassion; at the request of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in downtown McAllen has expanded its offerings to further serve as a gathering point for volunteers and a place where they could supply new arrivals with nutritious meals, water, clean clothing, and temporary shelter; additional civic and charitable groups are answering the call with donations and other means of assistance, and doctors are staffing mobile medical units in order to treat individuals with health concerns; and WHEREAS, Several public officials have provided important support for the relief operations; among them are Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia, Hidalgo County emergency management coordinator Oscar Montoya, City of McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, and City of McAllen Chief of Police Victor Rodriguez; and WHEREAS, Leaders in the charitable effort are members of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley and the organization's executive director, Sister Norma Pimentel, Dr. Carlos Cardenas of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, and physicians Dr. Layra Canales and Dr. Pedro Montano; and WHEREAS, Those who come to the aid of others in a time of need exemplify the noblest qualities of the human spirit, and through their determination to help, these selfless men and women have made a positive difference in the lives of countless people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby honor the many individuals and organizations who are participating in the humanitarian relief efforts in McAllen and extend to them sincere gratitude for their hard work, kindness, and dedication. Guerra Howard Mu oz, Jr. Canales Longoria Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 244 was adopted by the House on May 21, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House