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. 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 care for shelter residents. During the last year, several residents were able to have hernia, prostate, and cataract surgeries, greatly improving their quality of life and ability to work. Several surgeries are needed in the near future. 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. We also buy dog food, and we bring hygiene items, children’s vitamins, pedialyte popsicles, juices, and cereals as requested for the family shelter, Centro de Esperanza resource center.
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 to protect their privacy.
4/1/25
SSF Shelter Report
This morning Samaritanos Sin Fronteras volunteers brought cough drops and men’s underwear to Casa Del Migrante in Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico.
After a brief inspection at the border, they pulled up to CDM. Currently there are 8 guests - some familiar and some new faces. The cook has been having stomach issues (tomorrow he will have an ultrasound in Puerto Peñasco), but he felt a little better today and wanted to go to the grocery store. After paying the cable bill, they stopped at 2 supermarkets, where the cook bought lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, a couple of chickens, and dog food for the dogs.
Over lunch, plans were made for Easter dinner at the shelter. The cook has found someone who will make capirotada, which is similar to bread pudding and is often eaten during Lent and at Easter. He says he can fry up some fish, topped with tomatoes and onions, and they can have rice and maybe squash with it.
Back at CDM, vegetable seeds planted last week are beginning to sprout in the garden. Next week, volunteers will bring a sprinkler to make watering easier. The guests unloaded the groceries, volunteers petted all the dogs, and it was time to head back home. On the drive back, Doug and Carol sang along to “For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield, and the lyrics could have been written today instead of in 1967.
‘There's battle lines being drawn
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
It's time we stop
Hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look, what's going down?
What a field day for the heat (Ooh ooh ooh)
A thousand people in the street (Ooh ooh ooh)
Singing songs and they carrying signs (Ooh ooh ooh)
Mostly say, "Hooray for our side" (Ooh ooh ooh)
It's time we stop
Hey, what's that sound?
Everybody look, what's going down?
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
Step out of line, the men come and take you away….’
⁃ Carol
3/25/25
SSF Shelter Report
No problems at all crossing the border into Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico this morning as SSF volunteers Jennifer, Rebecca, Holly, and Carol carried donations to Casa Del Migrante shelter - although the guard did ask if they were going to go drink some tequila!
On today’s trip the volunteers picked up prescriptions for a CDM guest, squash seeds for the spring garden, and groceries for the week. One guest asked for help with a dental issue, and guests shared a little of their stories.
Migrant numbers in Sonoyta continue to be low. The atmosphere is tranquil, and today the volunteers saw no military Hummers patrolling the streets. Back at the border, U.S. border agents asked if they had any eggs to declare (they’re still $2.50/dozen in Sonoyta), but the volunteers were afraid they’d be inspected, so they left temptation and eggs behind and rolled into the U.S.
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Link to FMM form:
https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html
Note: SSF is no longer able to accept donations meant for the family shelter, Centro de Esperanza. If you have items you’d like to donate to the families, please go Shelters for Hope’s website to contact the shelter owners:
https://www.sheltersforhope.com
Gotta be flexible in these trying times! Heads up and hug someone ❤️
————————————————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.
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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, children’s vitamins, 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.
2024 Revenue Report
Jan. 26 - 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
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 was 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.