About Us
We began in 2022 as an informal group who saw the needs of people staying in migrant shelters in Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico and wanted to help. Our focus is strictly humanitarian assistance based solely on the requests of the shelter managers and guests. We have 501(c)3 status and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. We depend on gifts and in-kind donations to continue our work.
Our Mission
Samaritanos Sin Fronteras volunteers are people of conscience working openly with migrant shelters in Sonoyta, Mexico. We provide humanitarian aid while respecting the dignity and autonomy of the shelters. This aid includes monetary donations and in-kind donations based on requested needs.
Our Programs
Making a Difference
Maintenance and Building Projects
We support the residents and guests at Casa Del Migrante in their ongoing efforts to improve their living conditions at the shelter. Past projects have included completing the dormitories, sealing the roof, and providing air conditioning and heating. Volunteers recently added bright lighting to the cooking area, replaced shower valves, and added screening for the windows. In the near future we hope to help the men build more secure office and storage space.
Medical
Samaritanos Sin Fronteras volunteers, with the help of generous donations, have been able to provide access to medical and dental care for shelter residents.
Currently, the assistant manager/cook has just been diagnosed with rectal cancer which has metastasized to his lungs, liver, and intestines. We are providing medical support to the best of our ability. Due to his need for urgent treatment, the doctor felt he needed to go the private route rather than the government-sponsored healthcare route. Fortunately, medical expenses are much less than they are in the U.S. and he has been able to get his consult and lab work done very quickly. While the Mexican president has just declared free healthcare for all, it will roll out too slowly (beginning with those in their 80s) to help Rochi. Any support you are able to offer is deeply appreciated.
In the past, because of generous donations, several residents were able to have hernia, prostate, and cataract surgeries, greatly improving their quality of life and ability to work. One guest had a benign lump removed, and another had polyps taken out. Several major dental procedures have been performed and dentures purchased, giving guests the ability to eat regular foods again. We also refill prescriptions as needed.
Nutrition
Samaritanos Sin Fronteras takes the cook at Casa del Migrante grocery shopping weekly for the fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, rice, beans, tortillas, and coffee that he uses to prepare two meals a day for the guests at the shelter.
Critter Care
At all the shelters we’ve visited in Sonoyta, pets of all kinds - dogs, cats, tortoises, even a baby pig (!) - have helped bring comfort to people uprooted from their homes. Samaritanos Sin Fronteras volunteers help supply food and medical care for the four-legged shelter residents. One of the dogs (La Pantera, pictured above) developed bone cancer in her back paw. The migrants recently had to make the very hard decision to have her put to sleep, because the pain pills no longer controlled her suffering. Thankfully Jenny Radigan, the new director of Barb’s Dog Rescue in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico, was able to transport La Pantera to Clinica La Esperanza in Puerto Peñasco where her suffering came to an end as Jenny held and comforted her. Angels walk among us.
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.
Shelter Reports
Note: asylum seekers and other migrants encountered at the shelters are referred to by an initial or nickname to protect their privacy.
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6/2/26
SSF Shelter Report
Doug Schnare and Angel Chevrestt took donated doggy toys to Casa Del Migrante this morning for the 9 dogs sharing space with CDM’s guests.
Since it’s the first week of the month, Doug and Angel took Rochi to the cable company to pay the monthly bill. It’s only about $12 US dollars - can you imagine our cable bills (if you have one!) being so inexpensive?
After a nice lunch at Stanza Restaurante, Rochi gathered his shopping list and reusable grocery bags and the three amigos bought fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, dog food - and 5 tubes of toothpaste for the guests at CDM.
So far, Rochi is doing very well on his chemo regiment. He tires easily but looks great. He still helps with the day-to-day running of the shelter and takes care of the dogs. In about a month he has his second appointment with the oncologist in Mexicali.
The manager’s wedding is still on hold as he waits for his girlfriend’s health to improve. He still hopes to get married, gain his travel papers, and travel to El Salvador to find and reconnect with his family.
M struggles with his arthritis, and his speech is harder to understand, though it’s been over three years since his stroke. He enjoys playing with the dogs, dancing, and an occasional night on the town.
Other guests come and go, too quickly for us to learn the details they want to share. Some leave, never to return, while others, knowing CDM provides a safe haven, return after deportation or unsuccessful attempts to get back home. Your support and well-wishes mean all the world to these folks, stuck as they are between home and the unknown.
Hug someone and don’t let the bastards grind you down.
- Carol
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5/27/26
Doug Schnare visited Casa Del Migrante Wednesday. Tuesday, the day volunteers normally visit, was the day after Memorial Day weekend, and traffic returning home from Puerto Peñasco threatened to be heavy (the line of traffic headed south at the border last Friday was 8 1/2 miles long!)
The back of Doug’s truck was filled with canned goods, bottled water, and a big bag of donated dog food (thank you, Stephen Brooks!). There were only 4 guests yesterday at CDM. Doug reported that he took Rochi to lunch at Señor Pancho’s, where Rochi enjoyed a shrimp cocktail; then they did the usual grocery shopping at Bodega Aurrera before heading back to CDM to put away the groceries.
Rochi messaged on Sunday that el Moreno and Gallo had gotten the last dogs dosed with tick medicine, and he and Gallo had fumigated the dorms for ticks (garrapatos in Spanish - the words I’ve learned😳). Hopefully that’s the last of those little critters!
Hug someone and don’t let the bastards grind you down.
- Carol
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2/19/26
SSF Shelter Maintenance Report
Rick Weibel and Tom Wingo brought supplies and tools to Casa Del Migrante this morning for a work day. They replaced shower valves and a urinal valve, hung 2 smoke detectors (one in dorm #3 and one in the outer office area), wired a new light and switch over the cooking area, and set up a work station so the guests could build/replace the window screens in the dorms.
More wiring remains to be done and more screen spline needs to be added, but today was a pretty good day.
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1/5/26
Hello Everyone! I hope all of you are well and enjoying time with loved ones. Here in Ajo, we are enjoying the quiet after the holidays and balancing news-viewing 😬 with trips out in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.
2025 was a busy year for Samaritanos Sin Fronteras. Thanks to our supporters, SSF provided funds for ultrasounds, removal of a benign cyst in a CDM guest’s shoulder, dental extractions for 3 guests, dentures for 2 guests, treatment for amoebic dysentery, antibiotics for an extensive infection of the manager’s upper jaw and sinus, treatment for prostate issues, and over-the counter and prescription medications.
We were also able to purchase a new hot water heater and a new toilet for Casa Del Migrante, essential for health and comfort.
With our weekly grocery runs, accompanied by CDM’s cook who made a list each week of needed items, we were able to buy food to supply approximately 5,840 meals, including special meal celebrations for Easter, Mexican Independence Day, and Christmas Eve. As part of the Christmas Eve celebration, due to generous donations, each guest received a complete set of new clothes in appropriate sizes: a warm jacket, pants, long-sleeved t-shirt, button-down long-sleeved shirt, underwear, socks, shoes, warm gloves, and a knitted hat, plus there was a fun raffle where each guest won a prize of his choice from food items and extra clothing.
Animals: as of December, there are 9 dogs at CDM and 1 desert tortoise. SSF, vía Karla Vásquez and Clinica Esperanza, has had 8 of the 9 dogs spayed or neutered. The dogs have also had their shots, and SSF provides their food. If you’re looking for a good dog…..
SSF helped the shelter at the beginning of the year with an invasion of ticks and at mid-year with an invasion of bedbugs, providing chemicals and applicators to rid the shelter of creepy-crawlies. We also provided fly strips and mouse traps for ongoing pest control.
When a former CDM guest needed to return to his home country of Honduras to care for his ailing brother, SSF was able to help him with travel funds, and when a former resident of Casa San Pedro migrant shelter (now closed) whose family entered the US legally seeking asylum had a family member deported and subsequently murdered, SSF supporters raised funds to transport the body from Guadalajara to Guerrero, his mother’s home town, bringing a sad closure to an awful and unnecessary tragedy.
We are continually amazed at the resilience and kindness of those we encounter at Casa Del Migrante, and at the generosity and support of good people all over the world. You are truly making a difference in the lives of folks who, for whatever reason, can’t reach home. People eat healthy food because of you, they have a comfortable place to stay, clean clothing, medical and dental care, and canine companions (and a tortoise!) to give them affection while they are deciding what to do next. Life is better for guests at Casa Del Migrante because of your support. Thank you.
Attached is our revenue statement for 2025.
Happy New Year, everyone, and don’t let the bastards grind you down. Together we can affect change❤️
- Carol
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Note: If you are able, please consider a donation either via our website donate button, via Zelle [Samaritanos Sin Fronteras (413)695-9571], or as a check made out to Samaritanos Sin Fronteras/121 Rocalla Ave/Ajo, AZ 85321. Thank you for your continued support.
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Checks can be made out to
Samaritanos Sin Fronteras
c/o Doug Schnare, treasurer
121 Rocalla Ave
Ajo, AZ 85321
Or we can accept Zelle (National Bank of Arizona) or PayPal on our website www.samsinfront.com)
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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.
We have the 2026 Candid Gold Seal of Approval:
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Get Involved
Learn How You Can Help
Make a Donation
Samaritanos Sin Fronteras operates on tax-deductible philanthropic contributions from organizations and people like you. Your donation goes directly to help people living in migrant shelters in Sonoyta. It helps purchase nutritious food, necessary prescriptions, medical care, clothing, shoes, and hygiene needs, as well as pet food and pet medications. Please consider a monthly donation of just $10. Donations are 100% tax deductible. You can make a donation through PayPal (click the donate button), via check in care of our treasurer:
Doug Schnare 121 Rocalla Ave Ajo, AZ 85321
Or vía Zelle (413) 695-9571 to our National Bank of Arizona account)
Our Tax ID is 88-0867314
Volunteer
If you are in the Ajo, Arizona area and would like to get involved, please send us an email at samsinfront@gmail.com and we’ll reach out to you.
Spread the Word
Learn about events, see the latest news, and easily share information about helping those in need. Find us on Facebook at Samaritanos Sin Fronteras.
Amazon Wishlist
Wondering how to give back and be a part of a transformative program that helps so many people? This is a quick, easy way to support people in need with in-kind donations specifically tailored to shelter requests. Items listed are updated as requested by shelter managers.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can take part.
Financials
We are most grateful to our donors who support our work. Without the financial support we receive, this would not be possible. Below are the revenue statements and balance sheets since the inception of our nonprofit in 2024.
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Tax Year 2025 Form 990-N (e-Postcard)
Tax Period:
2025 (01/01/2025-12/31/2025)
EIN:
88-0867314
Organization Name (Doing Business as):
SAMARITANOS SIN FRONTERAS
Mailing Address:
121 W Rocalla Ave
Ajo, AZ 85321
United States
Principal Officer's Name and Address:
Carol Wingo
825 W 1st St
Ajo, AZ 85321
United States
Gross receipts not greater than:
$50,000
Organization has terminated:
No
Website URL:
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2025
Start:$4265.83
1st Qtr. 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr 2025 Total
Groceries $2164.82 $2560.24 $2844.56 $3017.77 $10,587.39
Wkly Support $998.19 $1107.16 $1618.77 $1530.88 $5255.00
Phone $56.90 $277.83 $80.47 $56.01 $481.93
Electricity $231.60 $81.77 $307.26 $126.95 $747.58
Cable $36.90 $36.03 $37.85 $38.61 $149.39
Propane $0 $0 $11.11 $11.54 $22.65
Medical $2070.26 $1151.79 $1390.19 $330.04 $4955.41
Animals $341.32 $27.65 $249.49 $253.75 $768.84
Maintenance $436.21 $3.16 $166.83 $0 $619.83
Miscellaneous $42.05 $93.49 $122.67 $638.15 $1143.32
Body Transp. $0 $0 $2295.95 $152.99 $2448.94
Travel $0 $605.98 $0 $65.14 $676.84
Total $6378.25 $5945.10 $9125.15 $6221.83 $27,857.12
Donations $11050.88 $3372.06 $6239.98 $4901.44 $25,567.36
Final balance: $1976.07
2025 was a busy year. Thanks to our supporters, SSF provided funds for
ultrasounds, removal of a benign cyst in a CDM guest’s shoulder, dental extractions for 3 guests, dentures for 2 guests, treatment of amoebic dysentery,
antibiotics for an extensive infection of the manager’s upper jaw and sinus,
treatment for prostate issues, and over-the counter and prescription medications.
We were also able to purchase a new hot water heater and a new toilet for CDM.
With our weekly grocery runs, accompanied by CDM’s cook, we were able to buy food for 5,840 meals, including special meal celebrations at Easter, for Mexican Independence Day, and for Christmas Eve. As part of the Christmas Eve celebration, due to generous donations, each guest received a complete set of new clothes: jacket, pants, long-sleeved t-shirt, button-down long-sleeved shirt, underwear, socks, shoes, warm gloves, and a knitted hat, plus there was a fun raffle where each guest won a prize of his choice from food items and extra clothing.
Animals: as of December, there are 9 dogs at CDM and 1 desert tortoise. SSF, vía Karla Vásquez and Clinica Esperanza, has had 8 of the 9 dogs spayed or neutered. The dogs have also had their shots, and SSF provides their food.
SSF helped the shelter at the beginning of the year with an invasion of ticks 😬and at mid-year with an invasion of bedbugs😳, providing chemicals and applicators to rid the shelter of pests. We also provided fly strips and mouse traps.🐀
When a former CDM guest needed to return to his home country of Honduras to care for his ailing brother, SSF was able to help him with travel funds, and when a former resident of Casa San Pedro migrant shelter whose family entered the US legally seeking asylum had a family member deported and subsequently murdered, SSF supporters raised funds to transport the body from Guadalajara to Guerrero, to his mother’s home town, bringing a sad closure to an awful and unnecessary tragedy.
We are continually amazed at the resilience and kindness of those we encounter at Casa Del Migrante, and at the generosity and support of good people here in the U.S. You are truly making a difference in the lives of folks who, for whatever reason, can’t reach home. People eat healthy food because of you, they have a comfortable place to stay, clean clothing, medical and dental care, and canine companions to give them affection while they are deciding what to do next. Life is better for guests at Casa Del Migrante because of your support. Thank you.
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2024 Revenue Report
Jan. 26 (SSF becomes a nonprofit) - Dec 31, 2024
Revenue
Beginning Balance: $1271.69
Donations: $18115.41
Expenditures: $15121.27
Ending Balance: $4265.83
Expenditures (Casa del Migrante)
Shelter support: $4857.61
Medical: $861.15
Construction: $0.00
Maintenance: $0.00
Propane: $8.86
Cable: $0.00
Electric bill: $493.77
Groceries: : $5449.56
Vet/animal expenses (food included in grocery bill: $906.14
Transportation: $264.03
Clothing/shoes: $1215.99
ATM (cash to pay propane/vet): $83.62
Holiday meals (Christmas Eve/Mexican Independence Day): $338.16
Tariff for bringing donations across Mexican border (one time charge): $25.81
Manager’s phone: $205.57
Wire transfer fee for donation: $11.00
Does not include services paid for in cash (maintenance, utilities, food, medical, animal care)
Total: $15121.27
Donations: $18115.41
Expenditures: - $15121.27
Net: $2994.14
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990-N Postcard filed with the IRS for tax year 2024:
Tax Period:
2024 (01/01/2024-12/31/2024)
EIN:
88-0867314
Organization Name (Doing Business as):
SAMARITANOS SIN FRONTERAS
Mailing Address:
121 Rocalla Ave
Ajo, AZ 85321
United States
Principal Officer's Name and Address:
Carol Wingo
825 W 1st St
Ajo, AZ 85321
United States
Gross receipts not greater than:
$50,000
Organization has terminated:
No
Website URL:
A huge thank you to all who donated to support the migrant shelters in 2024, whether vía monetary or in-kind donations. Your help provided 448 meals for
hungry people, kept them cool in 115° summers and warm in 30° winters, ensured prescriptions and other
medical care were available, and kept shelter pets fed and healthy❤️
Contact Us
Want to get involved with Samaritanos Sin Fronteras? Reach out to us and we will get back to you shortly.