RIO GRANDE CITY – A homeless shelter is lending a hand to help with the recent immigration surge.

Jose Roberto Leal works with immigrants passing through Casa Esperanza; as a volunteer, he also receives help.

Leal says the shelter welcomes those in need, including immigrants crossing the U.S. border.

"We treat everyone equally," he says.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS reached out to Starr County Judge Eloy Vera.

Judge Vera says that with the increase of immigrants in Starr County, shelters like Casa Esperanza are very necessary.

“Starr County does not have the resources to build any type facility,” he says.

Vera says private and religious shelters in the community are very valuable with the current influx of immigrants.

For more information watch the video above.