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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.

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3/24/26

SSF Shelter Report

We’ve had some really distressing news this week. The cook at Casa Del Migrante was misdiagnosed all those months ago. At that time the doctor told him he had amoebic dysentery, then anemia and hemorrhoids. He finally had a colonoscopy the first of March, and the pathology results came in last Friday. When he got them, he forwarded them to us and said he didn’t really understand them but thought it was good news. I didn’t need to use Google Translate to figure out what ‘maligna’ and ‘adenocarcinoma’ meant. 

Our good friend the cook has colo-rectal cancer. Jan St Peters, Ángel Chevrestt, and I drove to Sonoyta this morning, both to help with grocery shopping and to help our friend with the next steps. Angel was able to speak directly with the doctor via phone. Dr Castro recommended that the cook go to Mexicali for treatment and will send a referral. The cook (I’m going to start calling him by his nickname, Rochi) is anxious to get to Mexicali and start the process as soon as possible, understandably. We gave him bus fare and money for meals today, because as soon as the referral comes through, he hopes to catch the bus. 

We don’t know yet what the treatment will entail. 

Hug your loved ones hard and don’t let the bastards grind you down. These are some hard days.

Carol

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3/17/26

SSF Shelter Report

Today, Angel, our very fluent Spanish speaker, myself (Jan) and my twin sister, Joan, who is visiting, went to Casa del Migrante. Carol had ordered several items that were needed: an inflatable bed for R, shoes for M and J, loppers for R, shoe glue, tees for J, and squash seeds for F. Lots of people heading to Rocky Point for spring break were lined up. We delivered all the goods and took pictures. There were 2 new men. It’s always nice to add new faces to the mix. Plus there are people that come to shower and have a bite to eat. They all got a kick out of the fact that I had a twin  Dos Juanitas! We took R to lunch at Lupita’s and for once, it was packed. Then over to the bodega for groceries and to feed the stray dogs. It was so hot, they were less interested in food than usual. 

Back at the shelter we handed out sandwiches, and I had bought cupcakes in celebration of Joanie’s and my birthday. Joanie had brought some donated nice clothes so they were taken very quickly. Good day at the shelter and the dogs are all healthy!

- Jan

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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.

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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