SAMU First Response Expands Migrant Program with New Welcome Center in Nogales, Arizona

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Nogales, Arizona – October 28, 2024 – SAMU First Response is pleased to announce the expansion of its Migrant Assistance Program with the opening of a new Welcome Center in Nogales, Arizona. This facility, which opened on September 1, 2024, operates 24/7 serving asylum seekers who have just crossed the U.S. border. The Welcome Center aims to provide immediate support, resources, and essential services to those beginning their journey in the United States.

In the first two months, the Welcome Center has served 3,588 individuals and facilitated the arrival of 113 buses transporting  asylum seekers, all part of the round-the-clock operation. In this time short amount of time, SAMU has distributed 3,477 meals to newly arrived migrants, who primarily come from Venezuela, Mexico, Nicaragua, Cuba, Haiti, and various African nations.

The migrant community that we are receiving at the border are often individuals who have endured a perilous journey through the Darien Gap, which is a dense jungle between Colombia and Panama and is considered to be one of the most dangerous migrant routes and challenges to arrive to the U.S. – Mexico border.

At the Nogales Welcome Center, SAMU First Response provides a range of critical services:

Transportation: Free shuttle services are provided to shelters in Tucson, Arizona.

Travel Assistance: Migrants receive financial assistance with tickets (bus, train, plane) and information on their next destination.

Rest and Refreshments: The center offers spaces for migrants to rest, eat, and access amenities like Wi-Fi for communication with family, charging stations, clean clothing, and personal hygiene products.

The work at SAMU’s Nogales Welcome Center is currently funded entirely by SAMU First Response, demonstrating the urgent need for partnerships and alliances to sustain and enhance these critical services.

SAMU invites potential collaborators to join us on our mission to assist migrants and help to expand the services offered to meet the growing needs of those arriving daily.

Hurricane Milton hitting Florida graphic

Hurricane Milton Poses Significant Danger to Florida, Project HOPE and SAMU Mobilize Medical Resources

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As Hurricane Milton heads toward Florida today as a Category 4 hurricane, communities brace for record high storm surge whilst recovering from Hurricane Helene less than two weeks prior. The storm poses a significant danger to all residents of west and central Florida, as Milton is expected to bring destructive winds and flooding.

Project HOPE and SAMU First Response have a team of emergency response experts and paramedics from North Macedonia, Spain, and the United States positioning in the Jacksonville, Florida area ready to assist search and rescue efforts and provide critical medicine and humanitarian relief supplies to affected areas.

Arlan Fuller, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response for Project HOPE, said:
“Milton is a deadly and catastrophic climate disaster headed straight toward communities reeling from Hurricane Helene’s devastation. As Milton barrels towards west and central Florida, we’re bracing for the worst possible outcome – loss of life and significant barriers to access lifesaving health care. We expect the need for medical personnel will be dire and immediate as well as significant mental health needs in the days and weeks to come. Project HOPE and SAMU are coordinating with local officials and stand ready to help however possible.”

Project HOPE and SAMU both have long histories of responding to emergencies around the globe. Project HOPE has responded to nearly every major disaster since the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, including Hurricanes Ian and Idalia in Florida. SAMU is a leading organization in emergency response with more than 40 years of experience. Together, they responded to the earthquakes in Syria/ Türkiye and Morocco last year, aiding searching and rescue efforts and providing immediate medical care to those injured.

We have team members available for interviews. Please contact Bria Justus at +1 503-764-7864 or email media@projecthope.org for more information.

Source: Project Hope