San Diego, December 12, 2025
Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego has experienced a remarkable rise in revenue, increasing from $11.5 million in 2019 to nearly $80 million by 2023. This growth is primarily driven by substantial federal funding aimed at enhancing refugee resettlement and migrant services. The organization has played a vital role in helping Afghan refugees, with innovative programs such as the Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP). Amid changing federal policies, Catholic Charities continues to expand its crucial support services to meet the rising demand from migrants in the region.
San Diego, CA – In a remarkable demonstration of resilience and innovation, Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego has witnessed an astronomical increase in revenue, skyrocketing from $11.5 million in 2019 to nearly $80 million by 2023. This remarkable growth can be largely attributed to a significant influx of federal funding aimed at bolstering refugee resettlement and essential migrant services in the region.
Substantial Federal Funding Boosts Revenue
Between 2019 and 2023, Catholic Charities San Diego’s revenue expanded more than six-fold, reaching a staggering $80 million. This financial leap has primarily been fueled by federal grants specifically designated for refugee resettlement and extensive migrant assistance programs.
Key Programs and Services
Catholic Charities has played a crucial role in successfully resettling Afghan refugees, particularly in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Programs such as the Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP) have been instrumental in providing vital services—including housing, food, transportation, and integration assistance—to more than 9,500 Afghan newcomers.
Impact of Federal Policies
The surge in federal funding aligns closely with the adoption of open border policies by the Biden administration. This shift has contributed to an influx of migrants from over 100 countries into San Diego. Catholic Charities CEO, Vino Pajanor, remarked that such policies led to migrants being “dropped off” in the city, thereby necessitating an urgent expansion of services to meet the heightened demand.
Financial Overview
In 2023 alone, Catholic Charities San Diego received approximately $19.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Shelter and Services Program (SSP), specifically designated for supporting its migrant services. Furthermore, an additional $21.6 million was awarded in August 2024 from the SSP to assist newly arrived migrants, culminating in a total of $39.2 million in funding for 2024.
Background Context
Catholic Charities San Diego stands as a branch of the national Catholic Charities network, with a long-standing commitment to providing essential social services, including assistance for refugees and migrants. The recent wave of federal funding has empowered the organization to significantly expand its programmatic efforts and address the increasing needs of displaced individuals throughout the region.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Revenue Growth | Increased from $11.5 million in 2019 to nearly $80 million in 2023, primarily due to federal funding. |
| Federal Funding | Received approximately $19.6 million in 2023 and $39.2 million in 2024 from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. |
| Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP) | Provided housing, food, transportation, and integration services to over 9,500 Afghan refugees following the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. |
| Impact of Federal Policies | The Biden administration’s open border policies led to an influx of migrants from over 100 countries into San Diego, prompting expanded services. |
FAQ
What is Catholic Charities San Diego?
Catholic Charities San Diego is a nonprofit organization that provides social services, including assistance to refugees and migrants, in the San Diego area.
How much federal funding did Catholic Charities San Diego receive in 2023?
In 2023, Catholic Charities San Diego received approximately $19.6 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Shelter and Services Program (SSP) to support migrant services.
What is the Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP)?
The Afghan Support and Investment Program (ASIP) is an initiative by Catholic Charities San Diego to provide housing, food, transportation, and integration services to Afghan refugees, particularly following the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
How has federal policy affected Catholic Charities San Diego’s services?
The Biden administration’s open border policies led to an influx of migrants from over 100 countries into San Diego, prompting Catholic Charities to expand its services to meet the increased demand.
What is the Shelter and Services Program (SSP)?
The Shelter and Services Program (SSP) is a federal initiative that provides funding to organizations like Catholic Charities San Diego to support services for migrants and refugees.
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