Media Center

All the Latest

Want more details about what we do? Scroll below to find stories and the latest updates about how our work is helping make an impact. We invite you to learn more about our efforts and help spread the word about our important cause.

 Note: asylum seekers and other migrants encountered at the shelters are referred to by an initial or nickname to protect their privacy.

———————————————-

8/26/25

SSF Shelter Report 

We have been getting updates from the cook at Casa Del Migrante all week about his symptoms and lab work. He’s been diagnosed with amoebic dysentery and anemia. He has not been cooking for awhile (thank goodness) - with so few guests, he has been portioning out the groceries to each person and they’ve been cooking for themselves, with one of the guests stepping in for the weekend meals. 

So this morning Doug Schnare and I rode down to Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico with some cleaning and comfort supplies, bottled water, and bagged ice. The cook has been taking his medication and is feeling somewhat better, but he’s lost about 10 pounds. He felt well enough to go to lunch, get propane, and grocery shop, but then he had to lie down.

All the other guests appear to be doing well. One sat reading three versions of the Bible (all at once), two were enjoying a snack while the puppies begged for a taste, and several other guests were resting in the hammocks or in the cool of the dorms. It’s hot and muggy out after several days of rain and a terrible wind/tornado the other day that damaged the roof and ramada at the resource center, Centro de Esperanza, but thankfully spared their guests. To support their rebuilding efforts, you can visit Shelters for Hope’s website, https://www.sheltersforhope.com (https://www.sheltersforhope.com) . In these times we’ve all got to take care of each other. Hug someone today and

Don’t let the bastards grind you down.

    ⁃    Carol

———————————————

8/19/25

SSF Shelter Report

Tom Wingo and I took thermal bubble insulation, a staple gun, and some canned goods that Muffet Rowe donated down to Casa Del Migrante migrant shelter in Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico this morning. The plan was to purchase more insulation at a hardware in Sonoyta, but no one had any, so we’ll bring a bigger roll with us next week when we visit. The manager’s office needs some insulation to combat the heat generated by the security monitors - even with 2 window ac units, it’s hot! 

Sometime last week, one of the guests broke the tank on one of the toilets while cleaning it. I can’t imagine how. We thought the shelter would need a new toilet, or at least a new tank, but the existing tank was able to be repaired, at least for a couple months, with a plasticine product. That buys the manager some time to find a tank that will fit the old toilet. In other maintenance news, the new water pump is functioning properly, so everyone can shower, and the bedbugs are gone. As Roseanne Roseannadanna would say, “It’s always something!”

As far as medical issues, M finally got his dentures, and the last payment was made to the dentist. So far he’s very happy with them, although in the photo below he looks like he’s growling! The manager is still battling the infection in his gums and will likely lose a front tooth, thanks to Mr. Dentist-where’s-my-drill-bit-oops. He is on his third or fourth round of antibiotics. The cook is battling an intestinal issue but is under a doctor’s care. W is still struggling with mental issues, but he is healthy and not harming anyone or himself. The rest of the guests are just hot. 

The pups are thriving, and all the dogs decided they needed to help put the groceries ‘away’ after we got back from Bodega Aurrera grocery store! The young ones are a little shy but very sweet. Señor Pequeño, the desert tortoise, got a treat of sliced mixed fruit this afternoon. He seems to like mangos best. 

Lots of cloud cover today, but no rain. The thermometer in the car read 107°. Sonoyta seemed very quiet. We didn’t notice any military vehicles in the streets while we were there. We had an easy border crossing both ways, with guards on both sides smiling and waving us through. 

Until next week - 

hug someone and don’t let the bastards grind you down. 

I’m feeling a little scuffed these days.

• Carol

​———————————————-

Samaritanos Sin Fronteras Amazon wishlist:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/6SDJCN1N0XMX?ref_=wl_share

or if you’re in Ajo and have donations, contact one of the members of SSF who will be glad to deliver them. We all make a difference.

​

​