OUR WORK AT THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER

Urban Gardens in Shelters

Together with local partner Huerto Awilum, SNN creates nurturing spaces in migrant
shelters to meet the critical needs of migrant families through urban gardens and
nature-based art activities for children.

Families at the U.S.-Mexico border face overwhelming challenges as they cope with the trauma of displacement after leaving behind their homes, communities, and livelihoods in search of safety and stability.

Many are forced to flee due to violence, food insecurity, political instability, and the worsening impacts of climate change, leaving them vulnerable to even greater struggles upon arrival.

SNN’s needs assessment with migrant children in shelters highlights two urgent issues: family stress and poor nutrition. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring the well-being of migrant families.

Our needs assessment ensures that SNN's initiatives address the most urgent challenges in border shelters. It has identified key areas where we make a meaningful impact:

• Food Insecurity and Malnutrition
  Developing strategies to improve access to healthy and diverse food options, including identifying gaps in food access and quality from both family and provider perspectives.

• Children’s Stress and Trauma
  Understanding the effects of displacement and shelter life on mental well-being.
  
  
• Women’s Needs and Equity
  Addressing gender-specific challenges to ensure rights and protections.
  
  
• Local Partnerships
  Identifying organizations that can support long-term solutions.

READ THE REPORT

HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Shelter Managers and residents highlighted the importance of having more nutritious foods and stress-reduction activities for children. Based on these priorities, SNN creates garden spaces and art programs in shelters to provide families with comfort, community, and stress relief as they await entry into the United States. These initiatives also:

• Improve nutrition
  Fresh food from gardens supplements shelter meals, while workshops teach residents food production and preservation skills.
  
  
• Support children’s mental health
  Nature-based art programs provide an outlet for creativity and help children process their experiences.
  
  
• Restore a sense of normalcy
  These spaces offer a supportive environment for families navigating displacement.
  

OTHER WAYS WE SUPPORT IMMIGRANT FAMILIES

• Ensure shelters meet UN Sphere Standards for basic living conditions
  
• Advocate for migrants’ rights and highlight injustices in the system
• Develop family stress reduction programs with local and international experts
• Improve information access on key issues impacting shelter families
• Design shelter gardens suited for space and water-limited areas
• Strengthen local partnerships to enhance capacity and ensure effective program implementation
  

“A grain of sand can grow a big mountain. ”
- Pastor

SNN extends our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this project possible in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. We are
especially grateful for the dedication of Ismael Ontiveros, as well as the pastors and shelter managers who tirelessly support
migrant communities in their journey.