84R4605 BK-D
By: Guerra H.R. No. 244
R E S O L U T I O N
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.