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.
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.
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:
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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
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“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.
especially grateful for the dedication of Ismael Ontiveros, as well as the pastors and shelter managers who tirelessly support
migrant communities in their journey.