Pima County received $5.2 million to continue its work to help asylum seekers. The funding came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board.

The food and shelter program helps organizations that provide assistance to people brought forth into the community by federal officials.

According to the county, the funding came at a “critical time,” since existing funds were expected to run out in February. These funds would help in processing those asylum seekers who crossed the border and entered into the Tucson Sector. New funds would allow for sheltering operations to continue.

Officials say the numbers of people looking for asylum increased exponentially between October 2022 and September 2023.

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