The following article is an opinion editorial (Op-Ed) and represents the views and perspectives of the author. Opinions expressed in this piece are subjective and do not necessarily reflect the stance of the publication, its editors, or the broader journalistic team.
A Texas Airbnb welcomes migrants, thanks to this good Samaritan. As of writing, Texas is still under a serious migrant crisis.
Because of this, Texan officials are sending asylum seekers to other states and cities, such as Denver, Chicago, and New York.
This is why Texas needs all the help it can get to overcome the worsening immigrant crisis. While others focus on complaining, there are those who are willing to offer a helping hand.
One of them is Santiago Rodriguez, the good Samaritan who decided to open his Airbnb to shelter asylum seekers.
Texas Airbnb Welcomes Migrants, Thanks To This Man
Texas border and immigrant advocates, community members, and civil rights organizations protest against immigration bills outside of the John H. Reagan State Office Building in Austin, Texas, on April 12, 2023.
According to Yahoo News' latest report, Santiago's Airbnb has been helping migrants for the past two weeks. As of writing, his Airbnb is estimated to be sheltering over 40 asylum seekers.
His effort is a big deal for Texas since the Migrant Resource Center is already at full capacity, forcing some migrant families to sleep on the cold streets.
Mr. Rodriguez, a loving husband and father of three, said that he started his humanitarian act after noticing how migrants live in harsh conditions.
He realized this after noticing what asylum seekers have to go through at night along San Pedro Avenue.
"They had no blankets. It's like wow, all these people, using cartons to cover themselves," said Rodriguez via KENS 5.
The good Samaritan shared how he willingly picks up migrants outside the Catholic Charities-run Migrant Resource Center. He explained that he is opening his doors to asylum seekers who are mostly in need.
As of press time, Santiago already spent thousands of dollars just to provide clothes, food, hygiene supplies, and other essential items needed by migrants so that they can figure out the next steps they should take.
"Because there's a lot of kids, a lot of milk, a lot of eggs. Toilet paper, soap, Pampers. Everything is being bought by me," said the Texan man.
Read Also: Eric Adams Unveils Executive Order Restricting Texas Busing of Migrants to New York City
Helping Texas Man To Shelter Migrants
Immigrants warm to a fire at dawn after spending the night outside next to the U.S.-Mexico border fence on December 22, 2022 in El Paso, Texas. A spike in the number of migrants seeking asylum in the United States has challenged local, state and federal authorities.
Santiago Rodriguez is still helping migrants this 2024. However, he admitted that he can't help every asylum seeker.
Despite his limitations, the good Samaritan said that he would do his best to shelter as many migrants as possible.
Remember, Texas needs all the help it can get to overcome the rising numbers of migrants. If you want to help Mr. Rodriguez in his humanitarian mission, you can send your donations to him.
Santiago disclosed his email address so that other Americans willing to help can contact him: Santiago711autogroup@yahoo.com.
You can also send clothes and other items you're no longer using to Catholic Charities. To do this, you can send your donations to St. Stephens CARE Center (2127 S. Zarzamora St.), which is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays.
Related Article: Texas To Start Flying Out Migrants to Sanctuary Cities as First Flight Involves More Than 100 People
