Workers at Catholic Charities Immigrant & Refugee Services hosted a party for migrants at their downtown 80 Maiden Lane offices Feb. 12.

Staffers had noted an increase in walk-ins from a local hotel/shelter, so they decided to offer a lunch. The lunch included Venezuelan food such as arepas, rice, beans, salad and empanadas. Donor Maureen Flaherty raised funds for the luncheon, and also provided hygiene supplies, detergent, snacks and diapers. The event included salsa music and celebrations of two birthdays.

The event was part of The Border is Everywhere (TBIE) program, an effort sponsored by Catholic Charities USA, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network and the Center for Migration Studies, to better coordinate and implement services for asylum-seeking individuals and families.