Residential (group home, shelter, transitional foster care) services for unaccompanied alien children - lutheran social services of the south, INC

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded a $26.821 million cooperative agreement to Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. (doing business as Lutheran Social Services and Upbring) on April 1, 2026, under the Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs (CFDA 93.566).

Lutheran Social Services operates residential shelter, group home, and transitional foster care programs providing temporary care and services for unaccompanied alien children arriving in the United States without parents or legal guardians. The organization delivers housing, medical care, education, and mental health support while identifying and vetting suitable sponsors through comprehensive background checks. Case management and support services continue through family reunification and placement in the least restrictive environment.

The award funds operations at multiple Texas locations, including Bokenkamp Children's Shelter in Corpus Christi, New Hope Emergency Shelter in McAllen, and Grace House in McAllen. The period of performance runs through March 31, 2029. Place of performance is Texas.

DBA upbring is a federally funded residential shelter program within the office of refugee resettlement (ORR) that provides temporary care and services for unaccompanied alien children arriving in the united states without parents or legal guardians. The program ensures children receive essential services including housing, medical care, education, and mental health support while identifying and vetting suitable sponsors through comprehensive background checks. The primary objective is to safely reunite children with vetted sponsors in the least restrictive environment while maintaining ongoing case management and support services.