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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. The 2 most recent shelter reports are included below:

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10/27/26

Casa Del Migrante: 6 guests

Families: 16 members (8 adults, 8 children)

Susanna Dewey and I wiggled our way south to Sonoyta this morning with a vehicle full of masonry tools and a wheelbarrow (thanks, Steve and Marty Plevel!), a printer, a thingy that makes a broken phone communicate when linked to a computer monitor (thank you, Alex Drean at Free Range!), warm tops for children, mosquito repellent, cough drops, and Aquaphor hand cream. We were wiggling because of 2 areas of road work south of Ajo. One area just out of town had us off-roading for a short section; closer to Why we had to wait for a pilot car. 

In Why we picked up a box of cooking pots and a bowl from Joyce Millar of Cactus Cupboard. When we stopped to get gas at the Why Not Travel Store, the fellow at the next pump forgot to put the handle back before driving off, and the whole hose went flying with him. We decided to leave before someone sparked a fire, as gas was trickling pretty steadily from where the hose had become detached.

At the border the Mexican National Guard officer looked at our pile and said we needed to pull over to the office building on the left and pay a tariff. We pulled to the back of the building and parked in front of a big X-ray machine. It was shaped like a giant staple and rolled back and forth over the car. Then we had to pull up to the front of the building where a woman finally came out, glanced at the car, and said we were free to go. Back in line at the border, I thought the same guy was going to tell us to pull over again. Maybe it was the glint in my eye lol but he hesitated, then waved us on. 

Mind you, that’s three paragraphs and we had just gotten our toes into Mexico. 

The rest of the day went smoothly. We visited the families quickly and delivered all but the Aquaphor, mosquito repellent, and cough drops. The dogs have ticks (garrapatas or ‘claw paws’), so we promised to pick up some tick repellent at the store. The 3 men were happy to get the masonry tools, though they still have several items on their lists that we are looking for. A kind person in Rome, Georgia donated enough money that we were able to order manicure training kits this week  for all 4 women and the teenage girl, plus pay for manicure classes for them with Karla Betancourt. The hope is that with equipment and training, the families will be able to earn enough money to be self-sufficient come January. We are still searching for a used cooler, a canopy, and other masonry tools. 

At Casa del Migrante, the washing machine is misbehaving. It runs, but the water only enters at a trickle. The water pressure is fine, so it’s some other issue. Other than that, all is well. The manager stopped smoking August 3, and he says he isn’t craving cigarettes; second-hand smoke isn’t enticing at all. M says he’s fine except the mosquitos are driving him crazy, and he was glad to get the repellent. Rochi is still doing amazingly well. He says he’s hungry all the time and is trying to watch his weight. About mid November he’ll be due for more bloodwork and another doctor visit. 

After lunch we picked up medication for a guest from the pharmacy, then grocery shopped at Bodega Aurrera. The pigeon was there again, walking the aisles like a boss, but once again he was camera shy. At checkout our favorite guy was not at the register, but when he saw us in line, he stood next to the checkout person and said, “Whassup?” “Oooo - Que pasa bro!?” we answered which cracked them both up. Outside, a mama dog asked for food, so Rochi broke open a sack of dog food and we fed her. 

Back at Casa del Migrante, ‘La Venezuela’ grinned when he saw a cake among the groceries (Rochi had reminded us at the store that Venezuela [everyone has a nickname] likes cake for breakfast). We all pitched in and got the food stowed away in record time. After dropping the tick repellent off at the families’ house, we headed back across the border toward home. 

With elections next week, it feels like we’re all holding our breath. Hug someone and don’t let the bastards grind you down. 

Carol

10/20/26

SSF Shelter Report

Casa Del Migrante: 6 guests

Families: 16 members (8 adults, 8 children)

Report from Doug Schnare:

Doug Schnare and Angel Chevrestt visited the families and Casa del Migrante this morning. They brought a few masonry tools for 3 of the fathers, a sewing machine for one of the mothers, and an older IPad for one of the teens who wants to study on her own and try to catch up her education.

Doug and Angel hit road construction on 85 south of Ajo but didn’t lose much time. It was a relatively easy crossing; the agents asked about the tools but when it was explained that they’re being donated to a migrant shelter, there were no issues.  

The first stop was the families, where Doug and Angel dropped off the donations.  After talking with them for a bit about their plans for finding work and making crafts to be sold at Ajo’s Saturday mercados, Doug and Angel went over to Casa del Migrante.  

At CDM they picked up Rochi, went to Hidrogas to fill up the propane tank and then to lunch at Mr Panchos.  Rochi seems to be doing ok.  His hands are mostly sore free. He doesn’t have any appointments coming up soon. 

At Bodega Aurrera grocery store, there was no cilantro or tortillas to be had, but everything else on Rochi’s list was purchased.  The store was not too crowded, so it was easy in, easy out.  

Back at CDM they talked with a few guests. The manager is still planning to try to get to El Salvador to find his mother. He’s been thinking about it for a year now. M looks happy and healthy. Angel says Esperanza is adorable. She is spayed, has all her shots, and is very sweet and friendly; if you’re dreaming of just the right dog, she may be The One. 

Hug someone, make sure all your family, friends, and neighbors vote early, and don’t let the bastards grind you down. 

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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)

our business tag is

samaritanossinfronteras

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.

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We have the 2026 Candid Gold Seal of Approval:

https://app.candid.org/profile/15337525/samaritanos-sin-fronteras/?pkId=f10ec1df-6f76-48ce-8507-b32c69ef7ce7&isActive=true