SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Hundreds walked along the southern border Saturday morning to raise funds for San Ysidro residents during the Casa Familiar’s 2024 Abrazo 5K Walk & 10K Run.
“[I'm] just hoping that there is more visibility to this organization," said Veronica De La Rosa, a South Bay native and the executive vice president of San Ysidro Health.
De La Rosa has witnessed the impact Casa Familiar has on low-income San Ysidro residents.
“From a public health perspective, we see patients that need housing ... It's the foundation piece to well-being. The stress of being house insecure - there are not enough beds that are affordable," said De La Rosa.
Funds raised will support youth and senior services, as well as the nonprofit’s Promotoras program.
Promotoras are employees and volunteers that serve as a bridge between the organization and the community.
Lisa Cuestas, CEO of Casa Familiar, said the Promotoras have taken an active role in helping San Ysidro residents address affordable housing this year.
“A special part of their work recently has been eviction protection because of the difficulty that the whole region feels on access to housing." Cuestas said. "It really connects deeply to the work that Casa does in building affordable housing, but understanding that we need to support families to make sure they don’t lose the safe space they have."
