Bishop Edward Weisenburger is encouraging people who are capable of offering assistance to Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona to do so in anticipation of the termination of Title 42.

“Every day, immigration authorities are releasing several hundred men, women and children to Casa Alitas,” Weisenburger, the Tucson Diocese’s bishop, said on Facebook and in a letter to parishioners. “These are immigrants who have been legally released into the United States by the Department of Homeland Security. For years, Casa Alitas has provided much-needed support in the form of food, shelter, clothing, medical attention and aid in continuing their journeys to those waiting for them throughout the U.S. Weekly, Casa Alitas meets the need.” 

Title 42 ended Thursday, May 11, and is expected to increase the demand for the organization's services and require further support, according to the Diocese of Tucson Online News.

Casa Alitas is a Tucson-area program run by Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona that offers various services to legal immigrants, including shelter, medical assistance, food, clothing, hygiene, hospitality, travel bags, toys for children and much more. The Catholic Community Services website says the group serves hundreds of people of all ages on a weekly basis. 

Casa Alitas welcomes volunteers, monetary donations and donations of needed supplies. Those interested in volunteering can email volunteers@casaalitas.org. For those who wish to contribute financially, donations can be made online or sent to Catholic Community Services at 140 W. Speedway Blvd., Suite 230, Tucson, AZ 85705. Additionally, donations of supplies are welcome at this address.

Those interested in a more permanent position can visit Catholic Community Services Careers to explore job openings.

"Let us never forget that as Catholics we are called to serve the vulnerable, especially children and the defenseless, in humanitarian crises," Weisenburger said in his Facebook post. "The Gospel of Jesus Christ compels us."