"This is a place for people to come and give." Gretchen is the head coordinator at the Inn Project, a transition shelter for people who have crossed the border and are waiting for their cases to be heard at immigration courts across the U.S. Although there are a few staff, the shelter really runs on volunteer power. "Volunteers come and do night shifts," said Gretchen. "We have people who come and volunteer just to sit and chat with people, which is so important. They need kind people around them right now." Volunteers at the Inn give so much of their time, energy, and heart to helping families at the shelter get through a very difficult and scary time. But the way Gretchen sees it, time spent at the shelter helps nourish the volunteers, too. "It's an enriching experience to be here," she said. "We learn as much from these families as they learn from us." There's nothing we could do to thank these volunteers enough. But, we could definitely try. Every volunteer … [Read more...] about Home is…

The Inn Project in Tucson, Arizona, meets people at the end of one part of their journey - but when the next chapter is just beginning. The Project acts as a shelter for people who have gone through the immigration process at the border, but who have yet to go to where their case will be fully reviewed. But the staff at the Inn Project provide much more than a simple transition shelter. It's also a place for families to take a deep breath, to get some questions answered. To be welcomed and unafraid. "We work really hard to ensure that this is a welcoming place," says Gretchen, one of the lead coordinators. "That's what inspires me." One of the ways they can be most welcoming - especially to families - is by having spaces dedicated to children. They're cooped up in the shelter for most of the day, which, as you can imagine, can be particularly tough for the energetic little ones. "We really want to make our kids' area nice," said Gretchen. "They should be able to … [Read more...] about With Open Arms

The Catholic Sisters who run the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Mexico, have a big job. Every day, they provide meals, guidance, and things like soap and toothbrushes to people either seeking asylum in the United States or who have been recently deported. The needs are diverse - and so is their response. Sitting within a mile of the U.S. and Mexico border, these Sisters feel deeply the incredible challenges families face as they make difficult decisions and an uncertain future. They know that staying safe is a big worry for most people - they don't always know who to trust or where to seek support. That's where the backpacks come in. "When people are deported," said Sister Amelia, "They're all given the same bag to keep their belongings. Everyone knows this is the bag for deported people. It puts them at risk." These families are incredibly vulnerable. And people looking to exploit that know how to spot them in a crowd with their clearly marked bags. The Sisters … [Read more...] about Lightening the Load

“This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning.” The La Roca migrant shelter in Nogales, Mexico, is one stop along the journey for families headed north. It’s one of the last touch points before crossing over to the United States, a quiet sanctuary reached after weeks and sometimes months of grueling movement. Cruzando Fronteras, lead by one Reverend Rodger, runs La Roca and four additional shelters in Nogales. Rodger hears lots of stories, many of them hopeful, and many of them filled with pain. Everyone there has experienced extreme trauma, and tragic losses. But despite the sadness, he says, “they are so willing to laugh. To share a joke. They’re incredibly strong. They’re the people I want to spend my days with.” People from across Arizona have shown up in a big way to get Rodger and the guests at the shelter the things they need to feel comfortable, safe, and warm for a few days. But sometimes they need a little extra help rounding things out, especially with people always … [Read more...] about A Stop Along the Way