Support Vulnerable Families in Mexico

In the last several months, the International Community Foundation’s Border Fund has supported organizations in Tijuana, Mexico working with vulnerable migrant communities – either seeking asylum or recently deported from the United States. Funds have been granted to Casa del Migrante, Espacio  Migrante, and Instituto de Madre Asunta.

Casa del Migrante A.C.is responding to the reality that many migrants will not be granted asylum in the U.S. and will likely seek refuge in Tijuana. Since 2016, Casa del Migrante has partnered with local government agencies and universities to offer programs such as high-school diplomas, computer classes, English or Spanish, parenting, financial management and job-skills courses that help migrants and deportees get back on their feet in their new communities. Building on the success of these programs, the shelter has purchased and is in the process of refurbishing a warehouse to offer these services “in-house” to the immigrant community in Tijuana. As of August 2018, they purchased and have been refurbishing their workforce development center.

Espacio Migrante, A.C. is an organization committed to raising social awareness about migrant’s causes and providing legal support to migrants in Tijuana. Since 2016, Espacio Migrante has designed and offered “Know Your Rights” workshops and guides for Central American and Haitian migrants; led a pilot program for the holistic reintegration of deportees; and provide coordination of ongoing policy and advocacy efforts, language and skills classes, cultural exchanges and basic services for the migrant community of Tijuana. With the assistance of donations, the organization recently opened a community center and shelter where they will teach language classes, assist with employment services, and offer legal and psychological support to migrants.

Instituto de Madre Assunta A.C. was the first women and children’s shelter in Tijuana to methodologically provide dignified assistance to women and children who have been displaced after deportation from the U.S. or are migrating from central Mexico. The shelter serves each woman and child that arrive at the shelter seeking shelter and support by providing a safe space to sleep, food, clothing, childcare, and access to legal, employment, and healthcare resources.