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Flores, Dora <br />From: Joe Saladino < <br />Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 3:38 PM <br />To: eComment <br />Subject: Item #17 Public Comment - Fund Ayuda Sin Fronteras <br />Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. <br />Mayor Amezcua and Santa Ana City Council, <br />I am writing to urge the City Council to continue and expand the Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program by allocating an <br />additional $500,000 to $900,000, with at least $500,000 being allocated for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. <br />It is imperative that the City of Santa Ana expand financial relief for residents impacted by recent U.S. Customs <br />and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Department of <br />Homeland Security (DHS) actions. The show of force by these agencies most recently on October 19 which <br />resulted in the detention of Santa Ana residents on our own streets makes this support both urgent and <br />essential. <br />Since its launch in July 2025, the program has proven to be a lifeline for families struggling to pay rent, utilities, <br />and groceries. With 101 households and 198 individuals already assisted and funds exhausted after just three <br />months, the need for expanded emergency aid remains urgent and growing. Additional funding would ensure <br />continued support through the remainder of the fiscal year and reaffirm the City's commitment to immigrant <br />families during this difficult time. <br />I urge the Council to revisit the original $1 million proposal, using funds from the $74 million reserve fund, as <br />previously recommended on the dais by members of the Council. I also recommend prioritizing households <br />with lower income— especially those earning under $60,000 annually to ensure equitable distribution of <br />funds. <br />Strengthening the Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program is a tangible step toward building a compassionate, responsive <br />city that puts people first. I strongly urge you to vote in favor of expanding and funding this critical program. <br />Thank you, <br />Joseph Saladino <br />