The Migrant Resource Center recently expanded its humanitarian aid efforts by opening an over-night shelter in Naco, Mexico.

The shelter, 780 Juarez St., houses around 40 immigrants.

It was opened in December in an effort to give recently deported Mexican Nationals a place to rest before journeying back to their homes.

“We just decided it was necessary,” said Cecile Lumer, the volunteer director at the Migrant Resource Center. “When people are returned from the Border Patrol, they are in bad shape. We think it is the humanitarian thing to do.”

Lumer said it is not uncommon for recently returned migrants to sleep on the streets or be taken to jails to sleep for safety reasons. The shelter is separate from the Migrant Resource Center, which helps feed immigrants, get them necessary medical attention and return them to Mexico with help from the Mexican Consulate for reduced or free rates.

The Migrant Resource Center rents the building that houses their shelter, Lumer said. It costs about $500 a month and is completely funded by donations.

“This is really a humanitarian effort,” Lumer said. “We are lucky where we were born and not everyone has that privilege.”

Lumer said she understands that there is a lot of controversy surrounding illegal immigration in the U.S., but she still feels that people should help others. 

“It is a complex situation and we go back and forth on this in this country,” Lumer said.

Lumer said there are many misconceptions about the people who are returned to Mexico.

“Most of the immigrants have families in the U.S., and they are just coming here for work,” Lumer said.

When morning comes around, people who have used the shelter can go to the resource center for help or begin their journey back to their homes in Mexico, Lumer said. It is used as a resting place for people to stay and recuperate.

“The shelter is really beautiful and we are really lucky to get it,” Lumer said.