# Casa de Los Pobres USA > Suppporting Casa de Los Pobres in Tijuana, Mexico ## Posts - [Summer 2025 Newsletter](https://casadelospobresusa.com/summer-2025-newsletter/): Hello and Greetings from the Casa de los Pobres! The Sisters and members of the Board hope you are enjoying the summer! August is a busy month at the Casa when annual maintenance projects are done, and necessary repairs are made. August is also when the Sisters request back-to-school supplies for the children and teenagers. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, so by providing school supplies we can greatly impact change. Providing the children with backpacks, school supplies, shoes and socks, food for breakfast and lunch, and scholarships enabling them to attend school is all made […] - ["Loving God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself is worth more than sacrifices."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/loving-god-with-all-your-heart-and-your-neighbor-as-yourself-is-worth-more-than-sacrifices/): Mark 12:33 Rosario S. writes: “These humble letters are to thank you from my heart as I am grateful to you for all the help you give us. I’m 70 years old, I live alone, my only income is from selling cigars in the streets. May God bless and protect you.” From Bertha G.: “I give thanks to all the people who make possible all the attention and donations that are great blessings. May God reward you and multiply your generous deeds, same to the sisters at Casa de los Pobres for making possible that all these things get to […] - [Jesus is the Face of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/jesus-is-the-face-of-the-poor-6/): “To all the persons that make possible that many of us have a plate of food. I live with my husband who injured his back from a fall 2 years ago. I suffer diabetes. I need to work, so I make flour tortillas to sell so I can earn to pay rent, water, and electricity. The groceries we get from the Casa de los Pobres is a great help, and if you could give us tennis shoes, it helps me to come to get my weekly food. Many thanks and may God bless each of you.”  Maria M. - ["Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy." Matthew 5:7](https://casadelospobresusa.com/blessed-are-the-merciful-for-they-will-receive-mercy-matthew-57/): Every day, the Casa helps so many in desperate need, like Maria Teresa S .  . . “I am 71 years old, widow, suffer heart deficiency, live in one room rented in a very poor zone, without the basic public services, and pay $1,200 pesos (about $63 U.S.) monthly.” - ["Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor." - Proverbs 22:9](https://casadelospobresusa.com/whoever-has-a-bountiful-eye-will-be-blessed-for-he-shares-his-bread-with-the-poor-proverbs-229/): The people would like to let you know how much this helps means to them. Julieta A. writes . . . “I am very grateful for the great help you have given to me. I live with my son who has autism. Despite this, he tries to help me in ways he can such as watching a small place rented for parking a car. Before, my brother was watching for us and gave us some money for food, but unfortunately for our family, COVID took him away from us as he was a doctor. By a friend, I was able […] - ["Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2](https://casadelospobresusa.com/bear-one-anothers-burdens-and-so-fulfill-the-law-of-christ-galatians-62/): “Today I want to thank all the people who have contributed in a significant way to my studies. I’m infinitely grateful for the help provided by all the members of Casa de los Pobres and those external people who also collaborate with financial and material support. This financial support that is provided has been destined for the payment of school fees, transportation, or material that is required for some subjects. Having said the above, one again I thank each one of you, because without that support, it is likely that the circumstances would be different and the money allocated to […] - ["Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14](https://casadelospobresusa.com/let-all-that-you-do-be-done-in-love-1-corinthians-1614/): Thank you for continuing to support the Casa in these difficult financial times. Along with the food, clothing, and services provided to the poor and destitute of Tijuana, the Casa has been helping deserving students through scholarships. These students would not be able to attend school without this financial aid, and they are very grateful to all of you. The sentiment below is repeated many times from students who have been given a chance to change their lives for the better. Your Adopt-A Student donations make all of this possible . . . - ["If you pour yourself out for the hungry . . . then shall your light rise in the darkness." Isaiah 58-10](https://casadelospobresusa.com/if-you-pour-yourself-out-for-the-hungry-then-shall-your-light-rise-in-the-darkness-isaiah-58-10/): Margarita V writes, “Hola, my name is Margarita V. I have 3 children. Gilberto works in a grain store, Ramiro attends high school, and Roxana is in secondary school. I do not have a stable work because I do not have much studies, I only finished elementary school. I take care of 2 children two or three days a week and I clean houses sometimes. We are so so very grateful for the groceries we receive on Thursdays and sometimes, we receive other surprises such as hygiene supplies, blankets, shoes, or house supplies. And we enjoy breakfast. Thanks to the Sisters […] - ["The King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'."Matthew 25:40](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-king-will-answer-them-truly-i-say-to-you-as-you-did-it-to-one-of-the-least-of-these-my-brothers-you-did-it-to-me-matthew-2540/): “Hello, my name is Teresa. I live with my husband and 5 grandchildren, and I take care of them. I write this letter mainly and first of all, to thank God for the existence of this community, Casa de los Pobres. It’s where people receive help, people get food, groceries, and medical care. I also thank God for everyone who works here everyday and helps to cook the food, to serve it, and help to distribute the groceries. And for  every person who fills out our pass in Social Services, to all the doctors that collaborate with their services and […] - ["Give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you." Luke 11:41](https://casadelospobresusa.com/give-as-alms-those-things-that-are-within-and-behold-everything-is-clean-for-you-luke-1141/): Can you help us prepare a million meals on June 10-12 in San Diego? (Or see what the Casa specifically needs below . . .) 3000 volunteers (and $250,000 in donations to pay for the food) are needed at  Cathedral Catholic High School to set up on Friday, prepare meals on Saturday, and tear down on Sunday. The Casa de Los Pobres is one of the organizations that will receive the prepared meals. Sign up to help or donate: Help with the Million Meal Event Your donations to the Casa help the poor in so many different ways. Many of […] - ["They only asked us to remember the poor -- the very thing I also was eager to do." Galatians 2:10](https://casadelospobresusa.com/they-only-asked-us-to-remember-the-poor-the-very-thing-i-also-was-eager-to-do-galatians-210/): “My name is Delia. I give thanks to Casa de los Pobres and benefactors as it is through you all each week I receive breakfast and groceries to take home, for me so much needed. I also have received blankets and shoes and tarp to cover my place as water came in. I am fortunate that this place and people still exist and think about the poor. It was very difficult during pandemia to have a job at least for 2 or 3 days. I thank God with all my heart, may He give you many blessings.” - ["Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/do-not-neglect-to-do-good-and-to-share-what-you-have-for-such-sacrifices-are-pleasing-to-god/): “My name is Virginia N. I have 37 years. I am a single mother and have two daughters,   Julian, 12 years, and a four-year-old. I am a person with little resources and need to support them and pay for school supplies, and take care of my father who is 83 years old. For him, I need a wheelchair if possible, please, as it is hard for me to transport him to doctors appointments. I need tennis shoes, tarps for my roof please, and may God bless you always. Many many thanks.” Blankets and Staple Foods are Needed Now - ["Happy the man who considers the poor and the weak. The Lord will save him in the day of evil." Psalm 41](https://casadelospobresusa.com/happy-the-man-who-considers-the-poor-and-the-weak-the-lord-will-save-him-in-the-day-of-evil-psalm-41/): THANK YOU FOR HEARING THE CRY OF THE POOR. You made Christmas a time of JOY for our brothers and sisters in Christ who endure harsh poverty in the dumps of Tijuana. Your generosity provided bags of special food and a new blanket for 1500 families. Humble men and women stood in line for hours to receive a bag of beans, rice, oatmeal, sugar, tuna, canned milk, and fruit. The people were delighted to also receive oranges and apples in their bag of treats. Your generous donations purchased the food (Chickens and shoes were donated) and blankets. Words cannot convey […] - [Jesus is the Face of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/jesus-is-the-face-of-the-poor-5/): Marya and her four children live in a friend’s half-open garage. They suffer from exposure to the elements, both hot and cold. The father deserted the family, and the poor Mom has a fatal tumor that is being treated in the Clinic. But she carries on and cleans houses when she is able. She encourages and supports the children to study hard and get good grades. The two boys, ages 9 and 12, take school seriously, and get such good grades that they are in the Scholarship Program. This is the type of family that received food, a blanket, and […] - ["Blessed are the lowly, they shall inherit the land." Matthew 5:4](https://casadelospobresusa.com/blessed-are-the-lowly-they-shall-inherit-the-land-matthew-54/): Alejandra L. writes,”I came from the state of Oaxaca. I am a single mother, and I come to ask for help, please as I am living with a cousin temporarily and looking for work. Sorry to ask you for rent, my children need shoes and clothes, one girl and two boys. Thank you for any help you can provide to me.” From Jose R: “I am and stay where God the Father permits me. I need a blanket. I can possibly get a job as guardian, but I need proper clothes and a jacket. If I can have some help […] - ["Almsgiving frees one from death." St. Polycarp](https://casadelospobresusa.com/almsgiving-frees-one-from-death/): “The Family includes the mother Maria and 2 children, ages 17 and 11. Maria works in a maquiladora with wax. The money she earns is not enough to pay for all their needs, like electricity, gas, water, food, clothing, school, medicine, etc. They have to pay rent. The house has two rooms and the bathroom is a hole in the ground. The roof is leaking. If she misses a working day, she receives 2/3 of her salary. Maria wants for her children a better future and education, so they will not live in this situation of poverty. They are grateful […] - ["The needy shall not always be forgotten nor the hopes of the poor in vain." Psalm 91](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-needy-shall-not-always-be-forgotten-nor-the-hopes-of-the-poor-in-vain-psalm-91/): Nahum, one of the Casa’s Scholarship recipients in elementary school says, “Moved by gratitude for all the help you have given me. With love and blessings. I hope you don’t forget me . . .” One  little boy, Jeffrey M., lives in a half-open garage. But he still has dreams of helping others: “I would like to reach my dream to be a Robotics Engineer. I want to create elements that help people with disabilities.”  His recent report card shows a final grade of 9.8 out of 10! Anayeli V. also is pursuing an education to help others: “I wish to […] - ["Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs." Luke 6:20](https://casadelospobresusa.com/blessed-are-the-poor-in-spirit-the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-theirs-luke-620/): “During this Pandemic, I was left a widow because of COVID-19. I have 5 children. For this reason, I started to prepare fruit ice cubes and sell them in the streets. I am asking for the help of an ice box with wheels, so I can haul it and continue to sell. My children need clothing and shoes, and I cannot buy them. We have no electricity, a neighbor let us connect sometimes, but then many times, it is cut off. If you can help me with the icebox, you do not know the great help you will give me, […] - ["Freely you have received; freely give." Matthew 10:8](https://casadelospobresusa.com/freely-you-have-received-freely-give-matthew-108/): “I thank God for this help for several months now, because I have three sons. I work in Maquiladora night shift. I support my 2 younger ones. My husband disappeared 11 months ago. One day, he left for work and did not return.” Blanca E. “I ask for help because I am 67 now, and have been caring for my brother who is intellectually disabled. I care for him since my parents died. I feel uncomfortable to ask, but now I have diabetes and hypertension. I used to work cleaning houses.” Graciela M. “I have two domestic jobs. I come […] - ["The whole law is summed up in love."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-whole-law-is-summed-up-in-love/): Romans 13:10 “I am making a request for help. I am a working person. I need to initiate my own business of tamales to be able to support my children, boys 2, 5, and 8 years old, and a 12-year-old daughter. I know how to work, but I need money to start. I will be grateful if you can help me with 2000 pesos (about $100 US). I am a single mother, and this is my urgent need. A thousand thanks. God bless you for always helping those most in need.” Alicia H. “I am a musical person, but with […] - ["Yes, Christ my hope is arisen!" Happy Easter!](https://casadelospobresusa.com/yes-christ-my-hope-is-arisen-happy-easter/): Jesus says in the Gospel, “The poor you will always have with you.” Many of these poor cannot help themselves because of sickness, deformity, or old age. The Casa is their lifeline. Some who come to the Casa need only a few months of temporary help, while others are totally dependent. Those who come for help did not choose this life! “There but for God go I.” Myra and her children wrote to say, “thank you” for the donations of food! The family is very grateful! - ["Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/those-who-are-generous-are-blessed-for-they-share-their-bread-with-the-poor-4/): Psalm 22:9 “The following story is about Mayra, the mother of 2 of the students in the Scholarship Aide (Adopt a Student) program. Dearikson and Jeoffrey are in elementary and secondary grades.  Mayra is 36 years old. For the last 4 months, she has come with intense headaches, and analgesic treatments weren’t working for her. It was decided to have an MRI which revealed a pituitary tumor and hemorrhage, for which she is rceiving medical treatment to next evaluate about surgical care. - ["Happy the man who considers the poor and the weak. The Lord will save him in the day of evil."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/happy-the-man-who-considers-the-poor-and-the-weak-the-lord-will-save-him-in-the-day-of-evil/): Psalm 41 We asked Sister, “What are your greatest needs right now?” Sister Armida’s answer: Food Blankets, tarps Warm jackets, socks Medicine Vitamins C, D, and zinc Soap, towels Any extra citrus fruit you may harvest from your yards Donations may be left at 6432 Cardeno Drive, La Jolla 92037. They need blankets and food to warm them - ["The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-lord-hears-the-cry-of-the-poor-2/): Psalm 34 THANK YOU FOR HEARING THE CRY OF THE POOR. You made Christmas a time of JOY for our brothers and sisters in Christ who endure harsh poverty in the dumps of Tijuana. 1600 families came via many bus lines or on foot from the hills and dumps to receive their gifts this year, in a four-day shift, to accommodate smaller crowds. Some arrived the night before and camped out in the cold street. Humble men and women stood in line for hours to receive a bag of beans, rice, oatmeal, sugar, tuna, canned milk, and fruit. They were […] - [Jesus is the Face of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/jesus-is-the-face-of-the-poor-4/): “Thanks to God and His Son Jesus Christ and to our Mother Virgin Mary for this place and to you Sisters for your love to your neighbors. I was left without a job and do not have a place to live, so I came to get some groceries. I have need of clothes, shoes, hygiene supplies, and a blanket. Please excuse me for all I am asking. May God bless you all. Thank you.”  Jaime A. “Humbly and respectfully I ask for help. I came from the state of Michoacan, Mexico, trying to find healthy life and work, for this […] - ["No good is ever done without some cost and pain to the doer."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/no-good-is-ever-done-without-some-cost-and-pain-to-the-doer-2/): St. Bishop Fulton Sheen Can You Make the Holidays Brighter for Those Who Have Nothing? This year, no toys will be allowed to cross the border for Christmas. Sorry news! But we can provide these sorely needed items to make the holidays brighter for our brothers and sisters in Tijuana: New shoes and socks Blankets Caps Tarps FOOD! (protein-based food especially needed now) MULTI-VITAMINS (especially needed now) - ["The Lord turns His eyes to the just and His ears to their appeal. They call and the Lord hears and rescues them in all their distress."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-lord-turns-his-eyes-to-the-just-and-his-ears-to-their-appeal-they-call-and-the-lord-hears-and-rescues-them-in-all-their-distress/): Psalm 34 THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR FOOD IN TIJUANA, AS MANY FOOD PANTRIES ARE CLOSED. Your monetary and food donations are needed urgently! Meet Jose, a 6-year-old. He told one of the Sisters: “I want to present to you my mom. Her name is Monica and I have a little sister who is three weeks old. My other sister is called Mireya and she will be two years. My dad is Jose. He works in a factory but earns little money. I like very much to play ball and soccer. When I get home from school, my mom […] - ["A Christian is not his own master; his time is God's."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/a-christian-is-not-his-own-master-his-time-is-gods/): St. Ignatius of Antioch “I am Jesus, I am 67 and homeless. After losing my job and money due to COVID-19, I went to Casa de los Pobres asking for help with deep appreciation for all the mercy I have found. I kindly asked for a pair of tennis shoes, pants, shirt, underwear, and socks. At the same time, I want to thank those who provide all these blessings and the hands of the volunteers who made possible the delivery of these gifts to us, the most vulnerable people of our society. For your help and understanding, thanks!” Multiply this […] - ["Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His love endures forever."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/give-thanks-to-the-lord-for-he-is-good-for-his-love-endures-forever/): Psalm 118 The virus situation in Tijuana is serious, and your extra donations are very much appreciated. Many men are out of work and are coming for the first time to ask for food, shoes, socks, underwear, and toiletry items. Thanks to several large donations, the Sisters are joyfully shopping at Costco in Tijuana to purchase the much-needed sneakers (at very good prices) and other items. Sister Armida and the Sisters are thrilled to provide such necessities for these men. You can imagine how they all must feel!  THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU! The Sisters, cooks, and helpers are […] - ["The just man is generous and gives."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-just-man-is-generous-and-gives/): Psalm 37 “My wife and I lost the room where we used to live because the Maquila where we were working closed. Right now, we are living on the streets or in the parks. When we have some money, we pay for a shelter. I want to thank all the people who selflessly help us. Really, thank you very much. I really don’t know what would become of many of us, mainly all of the elderly like me.  I am 64 years old and lost my job 2 months ago, and my few savings ran out. Someone told me about […] - ["This day was made by the Lord; let us rejoice and be glad."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/this-day-was-made-by-the-lord-let-us-rejoice-and-be-glad/): Psalm 118 SOS! The Casa needs face masks!    Can you help us keep the people of the Casa safe? The Sisters serve 800 meals per day, and need more face masks! Can you sew a few? Or this company will deliver a pack of 12 for $24.99 plus tax: https://stores.customink.com/health-wellness/products/1842 You can deliver face masks to 6432 Cardeno Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037. - ["I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was homeless and you took me in."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/i-was-hungry-and-you-gave-me-food-i-was-thirsty-and-you-gave-me-drink-i-was-homeless-and-you-took-me-in/): Matthew 25:35 Those whom the Casa serves are destitute.  The people live in drafty shacks that areinfested with rats and other critters. They often experience the trauma of empty stomachs, cold nights, insecurity, and premature death. And their needs are great in this time of COVID-19. - [Urgent Need for Non-Perishable Food Now!](https://casadelospobresusa.com/urgent-need-for-non-perishable-food-now/): Can you help us in this most-urgent time of need?  Sister Armida says the Casa is out of food. Many more are coming to eat during the coronavirus crisis, and the Sisters are having difficulty keeping up with the demand. Our drop-off location at 6432 Cardeno Drive, La Jolla 92037 hasn’t received any food or other donations for at least two weeks.  Can you help us during this urgent need for food? We specifically need: Tuna, peanut butter, canned milk, tomato sauce, canned vegetables, assorted pasta Your donations can be left outside the door at 6432 Cardeno Drive. If you […] - ["Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/those-who-are-generous-are-blessed-for-they-share-their-bread-with-the-poor-3/): Psalm 22:9 “Alberto, 32 years old, and Cristina, 28, live in a suburban colony distant from the city of Tijuana. Their conditions of living are very poor. They have a boy 3 years old, and recently a baby girl was born premature. The father is a mason worker and earns very little to support the family. The newborn baby, Rosita, was in the incubator for a month, had intestinal surgery, then eye surgery. “The couple came to the Casa in tears, telling their story. Because of the care for Rosita, both take turns to care for her, so the father […] - ["A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/a-little-bit-of-mercy-makes-the-world-less-cold-and-more-just/): quote from Pope Francis “Sergio Z. is 19 and currently studying and working part-time. He is very thankful that the Casa de los Pobres is helping and supporting him with food and scholarships. He wishes to thank the Sisters who have helped him and his family, to the Casa volunteers, and to the Father who is always helping everyone. He thanks all of the benefactors for their help! Sergio hopes to be able to continue with school and one day, give back to others.” - [Jesus is the Face of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/jesus-is-the-face-of-the-poor-3/): THANK YOU FOR HEARING THE CRY OF THE POOR!  May God bless you for your generous donations to help those living in the slums of Tijuana during this holy season. You made Christmas a time of JOY for our brothers and sisters in Christ who endure harsh poverty. Those who receive the Christmas gifts have nothing. They live in the dumps on windy hills, and have no running water. Electricity is scarce, delivered via extension cords strung from house to house. Men, women, and children suffer from malnutrition and lung diseases caused by the continual breathing of polluted burning garbage […] - ["Blessed are the poor; the kingdom of heaven is theirs."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/blessed-are-the-poor-the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-theirs/): Luke 6:20 “Senora Virginia S., a widow of 52 years old, comes to Casa de los Pobres. For many years, she worked frying pork. The heat so affected her eyes, that she is totally blind. She never saw a specialist. Her youngest daughter Ruby is 14 years old and in the 7th grade. After school, she works in a grocery store and earns $3.00 US per day. After this, she prepares dinner for her mother and then does her homework. What worries Virginia is not having enough money to give her daughter Ruby food to eat and help her go […] - ["No good is ever done without some cost and pain to the doer."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/no-good-is-ever-done-without-some-cost-and-pain-to-the-doer/): Bishop Fulton Sheen From grateful children who received school supplies on distribution day, Hector writes: “I want to express how thankful I am for the support you have given us today, thank you for all the school supplies and the backpack. It is really helpful to us, especially to my dad since he lost his job and cannot afford all the school expenses. May God bless you everywhere and every single day and multiply all the blessings that you have given us today. Thank you so much.” “Thank you so much for helping me with school supplies. We are a […] - ["Support the weak, be patient with all; seek to do what is good for each other and for all men."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/support-the-weak-be-patient-with-all-seek-to-do-what-is-good-for-each-other-and-for-all-men/): Thessalonians 5:14-15  Sister Armida writes about the children who receive help from the Casa: “Little students who may not have electricity to do their homework go out to sell candy, donuts, flowers, help make bricks, collect in the dumps, and often cry because they are hungry.” “It is amazing how some of these children are able to get good grades and keep up in school, as the tendency is to leave the classroom and go out to work so young. Some mothers are handicapped, some grandparents are taking care of the children.  Many mothers are sick, or work cleanng houses or […] - ["He gave freely to the poor; his righteousness will endure forever."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/he-gave-freely-to-the-poor-his-righteousness-will-endure-forever/): From 12-year-old Rubi, whose mother died when she was two, and her father is unknown.  A good neighbor adopted her and her brother.  They are poor, humble, and HARD workers.  “I want to thank the Sisters and everyone that forms part of Casa de los Pobres for all the support through all these years. Thank you for everything that I have received such as shoes, food, and apparel. I am beyond grateful to you. Thanks for not only helping me but also many more people. I have done my Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation here, and now we’re a big […] - ["If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/if-someone-who-has-worldly-means-sees-a-brother-in-need-and-refuses-him-compassion-how-can-the-love-of-god-remain-in-him/): 1 John 3:17 Help Break the Cycle of Poverty with SCHOOL SUPPLIES! For the remainder of July, the Sisters request School Supplies for the children:  notebooks, pencils, pens, book bags socks, new shoes Your donations can be dropped off at 6432 Cardeno Drive, La Jolla 92037 in July only (the truck doesn’t come in August) or at All Hallows Church on La Jolla Scenic Drive South in La Jolla in July and August. The Sisters encourage education along with vocational training. The Casa Scholarship Program (bus money, uniforms, and a small tuition) helps serious students attend primary and advanced schools.  […] - ["Where God finds charity with its loving concern, there He recognizes the reflection of His own Fatherly care."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/where-god-finds-charity-with-its-loving-concern-there-he-recognizes-the-reflection-of-his-own-fatherly-care-f-his-own/): St. Leo the Great Education is Breaking the Cycle of Poverty!   This month, we sent Sister $2,180 in designated scholarship aid.  Two students are now attending University — this is unheard of!  Many younger ones are excelling in school because of your scholarship aid.  Thank you, thank you!  This is how you can help break the cycle of poverty, by adopting a student.  - ["Whoever loves his brother lives in the light."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/whoever-loves-his-brother-lives-in-the-light/): John 13:34 “Jonathan S. is a teenager who lives with his mother and four siblings in a little borrowed house at the edge of the railroad in Tijuana. His father died 3 years ago. Jonathan always looks for work, so he can help his family. He sells doughnuts and makes mud bricks on weekends.  Now that he is studying in 8th grade, he sometimes abandons school because he does not have school supplies, uniforms, or shoes. His mother works making mud bricks to be able to care for her four younger sons. The Casa helps the family with food, uniforms, […] - ["Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/those-who-are-generous-are-blessed-for-they-share-their-bread-with-the-poor-2/): Psalm 22:9  Those whom the Casa serves are destitute. The people live in drafty shacks that are infested with rats and other critters.  They often experience the trauma of empty stomaches, cold nights, insecurity, and premature death.  The Sisters offer rays of light and hope to many men, women, and children through the services offered at the Casa de los Pobres.  - ["I see the fear people try to hide when asking for help"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/i-see-the-fear-people-try-to-hide-when-asking-for-help/): From Sr. Armida:  “Thank you for all of your efforts to support this place of endless needs and requests.  Begging is not easy.  I see the fear people try to hide when asking for help. God bless them — they are humble and innocent.  The needs of the poor are simple:  from baby formula to a handful of beans, from a tablet for pain to a wheelchair, from a plea of prayer for a sick person and to assistance for burial.” How You Can Help - ["O God, you are my strength."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/o-god-you-are-my-strength/): Psalm 18. Fifteen hundred families came via many bus lines or on foot from the hills and dumps of Tijuana, Mexico to attend an early morning Mass in very cold weather. Humble men and women stood in line for hours to receive a bag of beans, rice, oatmeal, sugar, tuna, canned milk, fruit, and instant coffee. A breakfast of cocoa and hot cinnamon buns was served to those waiting in the long line to receive the gifts. The patio was decorated for Christmas and a live manger scene was created by bringing two or three animals from the City of […] - [Jesus is the Face of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/jesus-is-the-face-of-the-poor-2/): “Mrs. Maria L., 29 years old, came to the Casa some days ago and was very nervous and in anguish. She could hardly explain what was happening to her. She is married to Juan who works as a mechanic and earns 1800 pesos ($100) a week. They have an 11-year-old son in the 6th grade and a daughter in the 2nd grade. The daughter suffers from epilepsy, and they have no medical insurance. She was receiving treatment in a mental health hospital in Tijuana. On their last visit, they were told that because of some hospital changes, it was decided […] - ["The man who truly loves God also loves his neighbor."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-man-who-truly-loves-god-also-loves-his-neighbor/): St. Anthony Claret, Bishop From grateful children who received school supplies: “Thank you for your support all these years. May God bless you and your family because your kindness with the school supplies helps us.  I thank the Lord because I’m healthy and I feel happy due to all the blessings I receive.”  Alex G. “My name is Juan Carlos. I am 11 years old and in the 6th grade. Math is my favorite class and soccer my favorite hobby. When I grow up, I want to be a lawyer, but I know that I have to study really hard […] - ["We fulfill the demands of justice of providing for the poor."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/we-fulfill-the-demands-of-justice-of-providing-for-the-poor/):                           “Many, many thanks for the economic support that you have given to us during the months.  Thanks to this, we can obtain stability in the school environment and with regards to school expenses, and I know that not many others have the opportunity to be able to continue. You have given us great help that motivates us to continue forward. I hope this continues, as I also wish the same and hope to continue with a career.  God bless you with love.”  Mariana Q.  (graduated high school […] - ["Invest your wealth according to the command of the Most High. It will yield a profit far greater than gold."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/invest-your-wealth-according-to-the-command-of-the-most-high-it-will-yield-a-profit-far-greater-than-gold/): Sirach 29:11 “Around 8:30 pm in late June, yelling voices at the gate were asking for help. Three young men who had just arrived in Tijuana were saying so fast, ‘WE ARE VERY HUNGRY. PLEASE SOME FOOD.’ We opened the gate, had them sit on a bench, gave them juice, water, and bread.  They kept saying in between crying how hungry they were.  It was heartbreaking. One of them had much fever. We got them food, and they calmed down and explained how they got here and how one of them had been working in Mexicali.  He earned some pesos […] - ["The Righteous Shall Flourish Like the Palm Tree."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-righteous-shall-flourish-like-the-palm-tree/): Psalm 91:13 “A man named Louis O, 36, came to Tijuana from another place where he was working as a driver of heavy trucks.  Because of the very bad roads, he left to come here, because he was afraid of the danger to his life.  He could not work with that tension, as he wants to work peacefully and support his family. It has been one year since he left the family to come here, and he thanks God because he found a job as a mason assistant in Tecate, B.C.  What he earns is not enough to send much […] - ["Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/whatever-you-did-for-one-of-these-least-brothers-of-mine-you-did-for-me/): Matthew 26:40-41 “Araceli, age 19, did not get enough oxygen at birth and incurred brain damage which affects her speech and nervous system.  She needs help and medications for a lifetime. Her mother, Gloria, and older sister have always asked for help. When they arrived in Tijuana, they came to the Casa to ask for support with the medicines.  The Sisters arranged for them also to come to the Casa on Thursdays for weekly groceries.  Gloria praises God for having found this place for food and medicines for her daughter.  She strongly remarks that God’s good touches hearts who can […] - ["He has filled the hungry with good things."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/he-has-cast-down-the-mighty-from-their-thrones-and-has-lifted-up-the-lowly-he-has-filled-the-hungry-with-good-things/): Luke 1:51-52 “Mrs. Maria J. is 67 years old and lives alone in her little house that her son built for them.  He died two years ago. Maria has had breast cancer for 2 years, had surgery but it returned, and she had a second surgery. The medication she needs is very expensive. She cannot afford to buy it since she cannot work, because her medication doesn’t allow her to be in the sun. She has problems with swollen legs and walking is difficult. Casa de Los Pobres is helping to supply her medication. In order to survive, she gets […] - ["As God has given to you, so you must give to others."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/as-god-has-given-to-you-so-you-must-give-to-others/): Colossians 3:11 Caroline Kelner is orchestrating another fun Food Packaging Event on Saturday, May 12 between 10 am and 3pm at St. Brigid Church parking lot in Pacific Beach.  All are welcome to help assemble 57,600 meals for the poor.  Food is available after 12:00 noon along with raffle tickets, lively Mexican music and friendship.  Donations are needed to offset the $12,500 cost for the food packaging ingredients.  That’s less than 22 cents per meal!  You may donate and sign up at https://saintbrigidparish.weshareonline.org.  For more information, call Caroline at 858-761-7744 or email her. How you can help by donating needed […] - ["He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/he-has-cast-down-the-mighty-from-their-thrones-and-has-lifted-up-the-lowly/): “He has filled the hungry with good things.”  Luke 1:52-53 Maria Elizateth, age 34, is a single mother of two daughters, 4 and 5 years old.  She lives on a piece of “land invasion” near Tecate close to Tijuana East.  She works collecting recyclable materials in the dumps for sale to survive. She came to the Casa to ask for help, because her 4-year-old daughter is developing a mental problem. The daughter was suspended from kindergarten and the mother was asked to look for professional mental health care. Maria came to the Casa with much anguish, because she doesn’t have […] - ["God is in charge, and we are His helpers."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/god-is-in-charge-and-we-are-his-helpers/): Sr. Armida We asked Sister, “what are the greatest needs?”  Sister Armida’s answer is: Food Blankets, tarps Over-the-counter medicines Warm jackets, socks Soap, towels All used items are presorted by the Sisters at the storage unit in Chula Vista and transported in private autos — an arduous task.  Permits are required for everything, and used clothing is not allowed in the truck. Blankets, Tarps, and Food are Especially Needed During this Time of Year - ["The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/lord-hears-cry-poor-2/): Psalm 34 Christmas in Tijuana, Mexico Over 1600 families came via many bus lines or on foot from the hills and dumps to attend an early morning Mass.  Some even arrived the night before and camped out in the street. The mission of the Casa is to glorify God through the works of mercy. The people did indeed glorify God and the Holy Family by their thankfulness and joy as they happily received their food, blankets, and a toy. A breakfast of cocoa and hot cinnamon buns was served to those waiting in the long line to receive the gifts.  […] - [Jesus is the Face of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/jesus-face-poor-4/): “Maria has been coming to the Casa off and on. She had two sons. One died at 19, and the other is in jail. She returned recently to say she has been diagnosed with colon cancer. She has a 13-year-old granddaughter living with her, and this young girl is her only “family” and companion. She is in the first year of Middle School. They live in a small loaned house and cannot afford to pay rent. Maria works cleaning houses, doing laundry and ironing to earn money for their support. She came to us concerned, worried, and very nervous, because […] - [Make Miracles this Christmas: "The man who truly loves God also loves his neighbor."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/make-miracles-christmas-man-truly-loves-god-also-loves-neighbor/): St. Anthony Claret, Bishop This past year has seen many disasters around the world and in the U.S. We view the situation of the poor in Tijuana as a constant disaster.  With your support and the care given by the Sisters at the Casa, may men and women are rehabilitated, move into the stream of productive society, and out of that state of disaster. The families living in the Colonias/dumps cannot help where they were born and have scant control over their circumstances. The Sisters promote education for the children to help lift such families out of this downward spiral. […] - [The Sisters Celebrate 60 Years of Missionary Work in Tijuana](https://casadelospobresusa.com/sisters-celebrate-60-years-missionary-work-tijuana/): “A well that has many sources never runs dry. When we are gone, others will come after us.”  Ugandan Martyrs On September 1 at Our Lady of Grace Church in El Cajon, a wonderful Fiesta party began with Mass.  After Mass, a famous Fr. Gil meatball dinner was served, lively music played, then speakers, video, and prizes.  This was to celebrate the 70th birthday of Fr. Gil Gentile (a Director of Casa de Los Pobres USA) and the Sisters’ 60 years of extraordinary missionary work in Tijuana.   Many gave generous donations in honor of Fr. Gil and the Casa Sisters.  […] - ["He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/cast-mighty-thrones-lifted-lowly/): Luke 1:52   Mrs. Marie Elena Lopez, age 75, came to the Casa de los Pobres the beginning of July, saying her husband died 4 months ago. They rented a small house and had no children. After her husband’s death, she could not pay the rent and begged the owner of the small house to let her live there a few more months, while she found the means to pay or find a job. One day, she left to look for a job washing clothes or cleaning a house.  When she returned, she found the door closed and her belongings […] - ["When you give to the poor, you are bearing fruit which you will gather in for yourself, since the reward for good deeds goes to those who perform them."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/give-poor-bearing-fruit-will-gather-since-reward-good-deeds-goes-perform/): St. Basil the Great “Jose Luis Perez, 78, a widower, came to the Casa in July, saying he was feeling very sick.  He suffers high blood pressure with swelling and pain in both knees. Jose was very tired, because he walked for 3 hours. For 3 days, he had no medication nor money to buy it, nor had he eaten for 2 days.   “He said, ‘Sister, I come sick, no medicines, no food, much pain and high blood pressure.  Please just give me a tablet for blood pressure and something to eat. I had only one son, who was […] - ["Happy the man who considers the poor and the weak. The Lord will save him on the day of evil."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/happy-man-considers-poor-weak-lord-will-save-day-evil/): Psalm 40 “From my part and from all my little patients, MANY THANKS for your continued support to Casa de los Pobres. With your help, we have been able to attend them from Monday to Friday, all the sick little children that come here, and be able to find soon the sicknesses on time and, if necessary, send them for hospital care.  The most cases are malnutrition, diarrhea, bronchitis, pneumonia, parasites, skin problems, and treating them on time. I had control of nutrition because of low weight triplet girls.  Now, they are four years old and in the normal weight […] - ["What is this new earth? A good heart, a heart like the earth, which drinks up the rain that falls on it and yields a rich harvest"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/what-is-this-new-earth/): Guadalupe is a 44-year-old widow from Veracruz. She came to the Casa very desperate and angished, as her husband recently died from a fall while working on a high ladder.  She has 5 young children.  Her husband’s work manager would not take any responsibility for the accident.  Guadalupe works cleaning houses when possible, but her children are small, and she has no one to help her care for them. They all live in one small room, but at least they are together.  She receives clothes, food on Thursdays, and Clinic services for herself and the children.  In September, the three […] - [Your Amazon Purchases Can Help the Casa](https://casadelospobresusa.com/june-3-food-packaging-event-st-brigids-san-diego/): Do you Buy on Amazon.com? Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase amounts when you shop at smile.amazon.com — and select Casa de Los Pobres USA from their benefits list.  Every little bit helps! - [Scholarship Donations at Work! "As God has given to you, so you must give to others."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/scholarship-donations-work-god-given-must-give-others/): Colossians 3:13 “First-year University student Anayeli, 17, and her mother came to Casa de los Pobres very worried to ask for help, so she may continue her career at the University. Anayeli lives with her mother, father, and brothers, 15 and 11 years old.  Her father works at a car wash and earns less than the minimum each week.  Her mother cleans houses two days a week earning a few pesos.  These small earnings don’t cover the rent, electricity, water, transportation, or school fees and supplies. Anayeli works half-time as a receptionist earning about 32 pesos a week.  With the […] - ["The kind of fasting that pleases me is sharing your food with the hungry."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/kind-fasting-pleases-sharing-food-hungry/): Isaiah 58:6 “She knows she has to do all things as if they are for God.”   “Thank you for helping us with food and school supplies. My family and I are very grateful to the people that make possible this great support. My daughter is very moved to continue to be a better person, student, and good citizen. She knows she has to do all things as if they are for God. The rewards always come from heaven and they are manifested through people like you, of good heart.”  Sincerely Ralf and Liria, parents to Isis.   What if […] - [2016 Christmas Distribution to 1500 Families in Tijuana, Mexico](https://casadelospobresusa.com/2016-christmas-distribution-1500-families-tijuana-mexico/): Fifteen hundred families came via many bus lines or on foot from the hills and dumps to attend an early morning Mass. Some even arrived the night before and camped out in the street.  A breakfast of cocoa and hot cinnamon buns was served to those waiting in line to receive the gifts. Humble men and women stood in line for hours to receive a chicken, a bag of beans, rice, oatmeal, sugar, tuna, canned milk, and fruit, along with a new blanket.  They were thrilled and grateful to receive this food and the other gifts, including shoes for the […] - [Jesus is the Face of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/jesus-face-poor-3/): Those who were helped with your Christmas gifts have nothing. They live in the dumps on windy hills, have no running water, and electricity is scarce. Men, women, and children suffer from malnutrition and lung diseases caused by the continual breathing of polluted burning garbage fumes.  They are people like Maria . . .  “Maria, a single mother of 34, and her four children are new to the Casa. The Sisters are helping them with food and medical assistance. Maria’s twin daughters, now age 5, were born premature. As they started kindergarten, the teachers noticed the girls were in need […] - ["Today and always, the poor are the privileged recipients of the Gospel."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/today-always-poor-privileged-recipients-gospel/): Pope Benedict, Emeritus SPECIAL APPEAL IN ANTICIPATION OF CHRISTMAS The Sisters pray that we collect enough money to provide a special CHRISTMAS BAG of food along with a blanket for 1500 of the most helpless families.  The Sisters attended Masses at All Hallows Church on November 26-27 to meet with the people. We need increased cash and food donations for the poor families who live in the dumps of Tijuana, Mexico, just 40 miles from our warm homes. In the Franciscan Spirit, Sister Armida believes with all of her heart that “GOD WILL PROVIDE.”    - [Share Your Halloween Candy](https://casadelospobresusa.com/share-halloween-candy/): Students and parishioners of San Diego County – can you share part of your Halloween candy for the children of the Casa de los Pobres (House of the Poor) in Tijuana? The candy will become part of the Christmas distribution at the Casa. The Sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Queen of Peace coordinate an annual Christmas distribution where 1,500 impoverished families receive a chicken, rice, beans, canned vegetables and fruit, and a bag of candy to make the festivities a little sweeter.  Families also receive blankets, jackets, shoes and toys for the children. If you’d like to […] - ["If you can do good, do not put it off, because almsgiving frees us from death."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/can-good-not-put-off-almsgiving-frees-us-death/): St. Polycarp, Bishop Gloria G., 30 years old, learned about Casa de los Pobres in mid-September, and she came to ask for help for her and her 10-year-old son. Her husband abandoned her six years ago, afraid of her advanced tuberculosis. In spite of this serious condition, with help of family and other people, she had treatment that saved her life, although she lost one of her lungs. She continues to be under medical care; she suffers physical tiredness, so she cannot have a stable job. Frequently, she needs to be in the hospital. Doctors recommend a balanced diet to […] - ["The Lord is Just and Loves Justice; the Upright Shall See His Face."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/lord-loves-justice/): Psalm 11 A Jesuit Seminarian stayed at the Casa last year, and here is part of his story . . . “I went to teach catechism with Sisters Angeles and Teresa in the Santa Julia Colonia. It is far off and known for its high crime rate. Many houses are built precariously along the hillside. We visited two hardworking families. They were very warm and generous. We later reached the Center, a small building with three classrooms and a large field. The Sisters told of the problems they have with theft and vandalism even though the rooms are very simple. […] - ["Remember the poor and afflicted, do not let this day be a burden to them but a consolation and a joy."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/remember-poor-afflicted-not-let-day-burden-consolation-joy/): Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours it is indeed a consolation and a joy for the poor to come to the Casa. Along with food and medical care, many spiritual and emotional needs are met by the loving and wise care of the Sisters . . . “Thanks to God and to all benefactors and to the Sisters for the great support they are giving us. Many thanks because thanks to this, I will keep on in my studies and enable me to be a better person. Many thanks for all your help and may God bless you.”  Juan […] - ["When Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News, their only stipulation was to be mindful of the poor"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/paul-barnabas-preached-good-news-stipulation-mindful-poor/): Galatians 2:10 A Jesuit notice writes about his visit to a distant Colonia:  “We visited Dona Elma, a diabetic, who comes to the Casa when she can for food and medical help. This trip takes two buses and 45 minutes. She has problems seeing and walking. Her house is in a downhill ravine with a difficult and uneven path. I was saddened when I saw the situation in which she lives. The walls are falling apart, the roof doesn’t cover the entire home, and she needs to use a bucket as a toilet since the outhouse is no longer functional.” […] - ["Where God finds charity with its loving concern, there He recognizes the reflection of His own fatherly care."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/god-finds-charity-loving-concern-recognizes-reflection-fatherly-care/): St. Leo the Great A note of gratitude from one of the children of the Casa (translated) “Well, first of all I would like to thank you for the help that you have been giving us these past years. Thank you for your help in my sister’s and my school supplies, because it is a big help. My Mom’s weekly salary is $61 (in U.S. dollars) a week and she needs to pay rent, electricity, water, food, our lunch (we are three sisters), and bus tickets to go to our schools (kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school).  This is all a […] - ["Men lose all the material things they leave behind them in this world . . ."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/men-lose-material-things-leave-behind-world/): ” . . . but they carry with them the reward of their charity and the alms they give.”  St. Francis of Assisi The Sisters instill hope and treat each individual with a tenderness, respect, and love that can only come from God. The undercurrent of JOY amid so much destitution and illness is felt by anyone who visits the Casa. During the Holy Hour and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursdays, the people chant praise and thanksgiving to God for your intentions and special prayer requests. Please send us your special requests. No donations are necessary.  - ["For the Whole Law is Summed Up in a Single Commandment, 'You Shall Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.'"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/for-the-whole-law-is-summed-up-in-a-single-commandment-you-shall-love-your-neighbor-as-yourself/): Galatians 5:14 “Mrs. Nely H., a widow of 65 years, came to the Casa de Los Pobres telling us she cares for her three grandchildren (Luis 11, Mary 6, and Javier 5). Their single mother has been in jail for 4 years. She came to ask for food, clothing, and school supplies for her grandchildren. Nely is in a house loaned to her, as she has no money to pay rent. She works in the dumps collecting recyclable materials in order to buy food. Nely is grateful for finding the Casa, and says she now feels more tranquil because she […] - [Share the GIFT with others who cry out for help](https://casadelospobresusa.com/share-the-gift-with-others-who-cry-out-for-help/): “This nation is affluent and has more than it needs. The realization that what we have is a free gift can deepen our desire to share the GIFT with others who cry out for help.”  Henri Nouwen Mrs. Maritza Cortez, 32 years, came to the Casa recently to ask for help for some medical tests for her 12-year-old daughter. She is only in the 4th grade because her vision is very poor. Guadalupe lives with her parents and three brothers. Their little home is made of old pieces of wood and is situated in the railroad colonia. Last year, her […] - ["Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall enjoy everything."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/blessed-is-he-who-expects-nothing-for-he-shall-enjoy-everything/): St. Francis of Assisi We asked Sister, “What are the greatest needs?”  Sister Armida’s answer: FOOD and MEDICINE Sick people line up at the Clinic while it is still dark and cold. At this time, our weather is especially cold and inclement. The breakfast lines are very long. People begin arriving at 6:00 AM and circle around the sidewalks outside the Casa shivering while waiting for the doors to open. The Casa is a place of refuge, spiritual solace and friendship for the many men, women, and children who come here. The people suffer from wind and cold weather, especially […] - [The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-lord-hears-the-cry-of-the-poor/): Psalm 34 Dear Friends of the Casa,   THANK YOU FOR HEARING THE CRY OF THE POOR.  You made Christmas a time of JOY for our brothers and sisters in Christ who endure harsh poverty in the dumps of Tijuana. You provided: 1500 bags of special food and a new blanket for 1500 families! In December, we received $31,808.94 from our regular donors for both monthly and Christmas help, including a $1,000 anonymous donation from the San Diego Foundation and a $5,000 gift from the M. House Family Fund at the San Diego Foundation. We received $92,418.90 (total for both […] - [Jesus is the Face of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/jesus-is-the-face-of-the-poor/): What is life like for the poorest of the poor in Tijuana? “Laura R, her husband Marcial, and their four children live in a poor and distant colony. Marcial has a leg prosthesis as a result of a serious accident. In this colonia, Marcial makes bricks. Noxious black smoke and flames continually billow from the chimney of this brick “factory.” The kiln serves as Marcial’s main source of income. They do not own the land upon which they live and are at risk to be thrown out of their little shack. Marcial earns little and has no work if the […] - ["The happiness of the just man -- open-handed he gives to the poor, his justice stands firm forever."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/the-happiness-of-the-just-man-open-handed-he-gives-to-the-poor-his-justice-stands-firm-forever/): Psalm 112 Special Appeal in Anticipation of Christmas The Sisters pray that we collect enough money to provide a special CHRISTMAS BAG of food along with a blanket for 1300 of the most helpless families. The Sisters will attend the masses at All Hallows Church on November 28 and 29 to meet with the people. WE NEED INCREASED CASH DONATIONS AND FOOD Socks, Caps, Tarps, and protein-based food are especially needed to help alleviate the cold nights These “poorest of the poor” families live at the dumps of Tijuana, just 40 miles from our warm homes. In the Franciscan Spirit, Sister […] - [13-year-old Daniela says THANK YOU!](https://casadelospobresusa.com/13-year-old-daniela-says-thank-you/): A girl named Daniela, who benefits from our small scholarship aid, is 13 and in the 6th grade.  She needs special aid in school as she cannot go at a normal pace. Her teachers say that her slow pace is probably due to family dysfunction. Now that the family receives food and help from the Casa, Daniela shows significant improvement!  Daniela wrote a thank you letter for the aid she receives.  She also sent this story: The Lion and the Porcupine (adapted from Aesop’s “The Lion and the Boar”) “During the summer, as the hear provokes much more thirst, went […] - ["I want a Church which is poor and for the poor. They have much to teach us."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/i-want-a-church-which-is-poor-and-for-the-poor-they-have-much-to-teach-us/): Pope Francis, December 25, 2013 From a Jesuit Seminarian who stayed at the Casa . . . “I went to teach catechism with Sisters Angeles and Teresa in the Santa Julia Colonia. It is far off and known for its high crime rate. Many houses are built precariously along the hillside, and this colonia has undergone very little development as the years have passed. We visited two hardworking families first. They were very warm and generous to us.” “We finally reached the Center, a small building with three classrooms and a large field.  The Sisters told of the problems they […] - ["Come, Distribute Your Wealth Freely, Give Generously to Those Who are in Need"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/come-distribute-your-wealth-freely-give-generously-to-those-who-are-in-need/): “Earn for yourself the psalmist’s praise: ‘He gave freely to the poor; his righteousness will endure forever.'”  From St. Basil the Great on Charity From Ma Del Carmen H.:  “I am grateful to all the persons that help Casa de los Pobres and to Casa de los Pobres because they can help us. Because with the scholarship aid, I can buy school supplies, the uniform and shoes. This helps us very much because this avoids the BULLY. My children have more time to listen and be attentive to the teacher instead of caring to cover their torn shoes and be […] - ["I know that the Lord will avenge the poor, that He will do justice for the needy."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/i-know-that-the-lord-will-avenge-the-poor-that-he-will-do-justice-for-the-needy/): from St. Francis of Assisi  A Jesuit Novice writes about his recent visit to a distant Colonia: “We visited Dona Elma, a diabetic, who comes to the Casa when she can for food and medical help. This trip takes two buses and 45 minutes. She has problems seeing and walking. Her house is in a downhill ravine with a difficult and uneven path. I was saddened when I saw the situation in which she lives. The walls are falling apart, the roof doesn’t cover the entire home, and she needs to use a bucket as a toilet since the outhouse […] - [A Human Being's True Glory is to Persevere in the Service of God](https://casadelospobresusa.com/a-human-beings-true-glory-is-to-persevere-in-the-service-of-god-2/): St. Irenaeus A note of gratitude: “I, Filomena, am very grateful to Casa de Los Pobres because I have received help with my hernia surgery and medical care on both of my ankles for the sores caused by diabetes.  I am very grateful for the benefactors and the Sisters. They know my needs, and I am grateful to all the persons and the Clinic at the Casa for the help they have given me for the care of my sores and for my medicines. I thank God for having them all, and I pray to God for them.”  Please know […] - ["Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/give-us-this-day-our-daily-bread/): Sister Gudelia visits Colonia Ferrocarril near Tecate, Mexico where there are no public services and tells us: “Some parents work at making bricks while others ‘work’ in the dumps of this colony. The family that invited me into their house goes to the dumps daily with the hope to find food, clothes, or other items for their 5 children. The mother said that sometimes she has picked up tortillas and takes them to feed her children. The family was very happy with my visit and felt blessed to receive bread, rice, beans, toys, and blankets. It is moving to see […] - ["A Human Being's True Glory is to Persevere in the Service of God."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/a-human-beings-true-glory-is-to-persevere-in-the-service-of-god/): (Quote from St. Irenaeus) Those whom the Casa serves are destitute, not merely poor. These people live in shacks that are often rodent-infested. They experience the torture of empty stomaches, cold nights, crawling vermin, insecurity, gnawing idleness, and premature death.  (Read about visits to the colonias and the conditions there.) The Sisters offer rays of light to many of these men, women, and children. Rosalinda, 36, came to the Casa in great turmoil. She had run away from her husband because he brutally beat her and used drugs. Her two little boys are 4 and 6. She is desperate for […] - ["Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/those-who-are-generous-are-blessed-for-they-share-their-bread-with-the-poor/): Psalm 22:9    “We stuffed our little truck full of food early one morning and drove about 45 minutes to a remote Colonia.  Smoke, dust, garbage everywhere, random collections of wood and scrap stacked together to pass for shelters — many side-by-side, all covered with black soot and white ash.” - [Legumes for Lent! Help Provide Beans for the Casa . . .](https://casadelospobresusa.com/legumes-for-lent-help-provide-beans-for-the-casa/): (a letter from Fr. Gil Gentile, SJ . . .) Do a Work of Mercy during Lent – Feed the Hungry by Buying a Bag of Beans! Dear friends & family, Once again we are appealing to your wonderful generosity. The last time that we made this appeal in 2013, the response to our “Legumes for Lent” Campaign was truly amazing! As you can imagine, the need continues. For the meals and for the grocery bag program for the elderly, handicapped and families, the Casa uses over 7,000 pounds of dried pinto beans per month which costs between $4,000-$5,000! - ["In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/in-the-measure-you-give-you-shall-receive-and-more-besides/): Mark 5:24 What are the Greatest Needs? Sister Armida says:  FOOD and MEDICINE are the greatest needs now.  Sick people line up at the Clinic while it is still dark and cold. The breakfast lines are very long. People begin arriving at 6:00 AM and circle around the sidewalks outside the Casa shivering in the cold while waiting for the doors to open.  The Casa is a place of refuge, spiritual solace, and friendship for the many men, women and children who come there. WE THANK GOD for all who donated money to feed the hungry people, and for you […] - ["The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/lord-hears-cry-poor/): Psalm 34 Christmas at the Casa 2015 Thank you for hearing the cry of the poor!  You made Christmas a time of JOY for our brothers and sisters in Christ who endure harsh poverty in the dumps of Tijuana.  You provided 1,500 bags of special food and a precious new blanket for 1500 families. About 1,500 families came via bus lines or on foot from the hills and dumps to attend an early Mass.  The mission of the Casa is to glorify God through the works of mercy. The people did indeed glorify God and the Holy Family by their […] - [Jesus is the Face of the Poor](https://casadelospobresusa.com/jesus-face-poor-2/): Give the Most Valuable Gift You Can Give this Christmas — the Gift of a Donation to the Poor “Laura and her husband Marcial and their four children live in a very poor and distant   colony. The father has a leg prosthesis as the result of a serious accident. In this colony, many of the poor work at making mud bricks. Marcial makes bricks. The ‘factory’ is the size of a small house. Noxious black smoke and flames continually billow from the chimney. This kiln serves as Marcial’s main source of income. They do not own the land upon […] - ["Give us this day our daily bread."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/give-us-day-daily-bread/): “My name is Jose.  I am 14 years old and have been diagnosed with infantile cerebral   paralysis. I also have a cleft lip. I never met my dad, only met my mother Ramona who passed away a year ago in Tijuana.  She had cancer. I have a few brothers and sisters, but all are poor, and all of them have their own family. That is why my mother brought me here to the Casa where all the Sisters love me, feed me, give me clothes, and put me in a special school. This school charges 350 pesos a week […] - [" . . . whoever is kind to the needy honors God."](https://casadelospobresusa.com/whoever-kind-needy-honors-god/): “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”  Proverbs 14:31 The People of the Casa Thank You — in Their Own Words (Translated) “Hola, my name is David. I am 13 years old. Through this note, I present to you my most heart-felt gratitude for the help you offer us, the school supplies. You are angels announcing from heaven that have helped us in our scholarly future. Thank you!! God bless you.“ - ["To live charitably means not looking out for our own interests . . .](https://casadelospobresusa.com/live-charitably-means-looking-interests-carrying-burdens-weakest-poorest-among-us/): ” . . . but carrying the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us.” Pope Francis, Pontifex, 11/25/13 “Mrs. Isabel B. has been separated from her husband for two years. He left when she was pregnant with their 4th child because she refused to have an abortion. She works very hard to support the family:  sons 15, 9, 2, and a daughter 11. They go to school. She takes the little one and goes to clean houses.” “She worries because she does not have enough to feed them and also send them to school. She is thinking, with tears […] - ["Love consists in sharing what one has and what one is with those one loves . . .](https://casadelospobresusa.com/love-consists-sharing-one-one-one-loves-love-show-deeds-words/):  . . . Love ought to show itself in deeds more than in words.” From Brandon:  “First, I thank God and my parents for having something that I can share with you. It is few but with much love. I am 9 years and pray to God that when I grow up I am going to help the children that need most. Thank you for everything! May God Bless you!” THANK YOU for your GENEROUS donations of $13,729.12 from 43 families. We also thank the San Diego Foundation for a generous check of $1,000 from an anonymous donor and for […] - [Casa de Los Pobres Featured in the Southern Cross](https://casadelospobresusa.com/casa-de-los-pobres-featured-southern-cross/): The work of the Sisters of Casa de Los Pobres was featured in the Southern Cross in the May 2014 issue! Nicholas, a Jesuit novice, accompanied the madres to the colonias.  His two-part account of his visit to the colonias gives a detailed look into the life of the poorest of the poor, living just over the border in Tijuana, Mexico. The Southern Cross article appeared in Spanish — but we have the English version posted here: Part 1 of the Visit                      Part 2 of the Visit ## Pages - [Casa de los Pobres USA policies and documents](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-the-non-profit-group/casa-de-los-pobres-usa-policies/): Casa de los Pobres USA 2024 Tax form 990 Donor Privacy Policy 24 July 2024 Conflict of Interest Policy 24 July 2024 Document Retention and Destruction Policy 24 July 2024 Whistleblower Policy 24 July 2024 - [News from the Casa](https://casadelospobresusa.com/news-from-the-casa/) - [Casa de Los Pobres — House of the Poor in Tijuana, Mexico](https://casadelospobresusa.com/): The name means “House of the Poor” in Spanish. The Casa was originally founded in 1957 by Franciscan Sisters in the Colonia Altamira neighborhood of Tijuana, Mexico. For more than 65 years, Casa de los Pobres has served the “poorest of the poor” in Tijuana. These families live in nothing more than shacks — with cardboard walls that don’t keep out the cold or rain.  A blanket is each family’s prized possession, and tarps keep the children dry in rainy season. In some areas, the roads become impassable with large ruts and mud, leaving the residents stranded without food for […] - [Adopt a Student -- Make a Difference for a Lifetime](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-the-non-profit-group/donate-to-the-casa/adopt-a-student/): Education is so crucial for the poor in Tijuana to break the cycle of poverty.  Your financial help will sponsor a student to provide school supplies, uniforms,and  bus money for the year. These students dream of the chance to go to school, to learn, to grow up with opportunities.  You can give a child this chance. For $45 per month, you can give a child the gift of education. Adopt a Student with Your Monthly Donation! $45 Monthly - [Videos](https://casadelospobresusa.com/video/): See the Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana in action, and learn how Casa de Los Pobres USA started . . . - [A Day in Tijuana's Colonias Part 2](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-casa-pobres-tijuana/day-tijuanas-colonias-part-2/): A Day in Tijuana’s Colonias with the Sisters of Casa de Los Pobres Reveals Glimpses of God at Work (Part 2) By Nicholas Ballor, nSJ This is part two of Nicholas’ account of his visit to Tijuana’s colonias with the Sisters of the Casa de Los Pobres.   View Part 1 As I walk through the dusty colonia with Madre Angelica, the next home we visit is the most painful.  We knock on a decrepit fence door, and a 17-year-old boy in a wheelchair awkwardly opens the fence.  He welcomes us in.  The boy wears over his head a hood […] - [A Day in Tijuana's Colonias, Part I](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-casa-pobres-tijuana/day-tijuanas-colonias-part/): A Day in Tijuana’s Colonias with the Sisters of Casa de Los Pobres Reveals Glimpses of God at Work (Part I) By Nicholas Ballor, nSJ (This story was featured in the Southern Cross, the newspaper of the San Diego Catholic Diocese, in May 2014.  The story was run in Spanish.  Here is the English version.) November 12, 2013 – We are on a visit to the Tijuana colonia where the Franciscan Madres from Casa de Los Pobres go to provide catechism classes to the local children.  The area is a plot of land only about an acre in size.  Due […] - [Life in the Colonias of Tijuana](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-casa-pobres-tijuana/life-colonias-tijuana/): by Nicholas Ballor, nSJ, November 10, 2013    Can we not give more? The thought continues to haunt me as I think back on our recent visit. There is no excuse for allowing people, anywhere, to suffer such need. We stuffed our little truck full of food and a few padded chairs early in the morning and drove out from Tijuana for about 45 minutes to arrive at a remote colonia. Smoke, dust, garbage everywhere, random collections of wood and scrap stacked together to pass for shelters — many side-by-side. A scene of shades of brown dappled with black soot […] - [Donate to the Casa](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-the-non-profit-group/donate-to-the-casa/): Make a Donation to Help Support the Poorest of the Poor ONE-TIME or MONTHLY RECURRING — everything helps! Please consider a monthly recurring donation — to provide food and medical care for Tijuana’s poor at Casa de Los Pobres. If you are unable to donate monthly, a one-time donation is most welcome!  Virtually 100% of your donation goes to the Casa — we have NO overhead (there are minimal fees from credit card donations)! Even the smallest donation can help! Donations can be made through your bank or online  banking via “Bill Pay” where you and the Casa are not […] - ["You have been a blessing in my life. I am helping others in their rehabilitation"](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-casa-pobres-tijuana/you-have-been-a-blessing-in-my-life-i-am-helping-others-in-their-rehabilitation/): Those the Casa helps try to help others . . . “My mother had come to La Casa de Los Pobres many years ago with my brother who had polio. She used to bring him to consultation. We lived in a poor neighborhood. We were too many people living there. My mother worked babysitting other people’s children to survive. “I was alcoholic, I was a tramp and used to walk barefoot. I entered rehabilitation in 2004    after being imprisoned due to alcoholism. On the third month, I started having a very strong pain in the stomach and went to […] - [Stories from the Casa and Sr. Maru](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-casa-pobres-tijuana/stories-from-the-casa/): The Haitian Village (March 2022) Dear friends of the Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana, Mexico from Fr. Gil Gentile . . . Here is another update from Sr. Maru Espinoza about what the sisters are now calling “The Haitian Village of Santa Julia”. There are more than 130 Haitian refugees (men, women, and children) living on a small parcel of land that the Casa owns and where the sisters used to hold catechism classes. The sisters have provided small tents and a large pavilion-type tent that provides some extra protection for the small tents. The sisters from the Casa […] - [Photo Gallery](https://casadelospobresusa.com/photo-gallery/) - [Christmas at the Casa](https://casadelospobresusa.com/christmas-at-the-casa/): Christmas at Casa de Los Pobres Each year, the sisters of the Casa hold a “Christmas distribution.”  This year the event was held on two days, because of the large number of people in need.  The Distribution Day begins with mass outside, beside the “Living Nativity Scene”, and each family receives a special bag of food, new shoes, toys, blankets and a chicken!  Children receive bags of candy donated by other children in San Diego, from the Halloween Candy drive sponsored by St. Brigid parish.  The many gifts are made possible by the generosity of our donors, and bring Christmas […] - [Bodega Day](https://casadelospobresusa.com/bodega-day/): Every Thursday at the Casa is “Bodega (Grocery) Day.”  Families obtain a ticket from the Social Service office, and bring a bag to fill. In many cases, this bag of groceries may be all the food the family has for the week. The families typically receive: A kilo of beans 2 or 3 loaves of day-old bread Rice Miscellaneous cans of food, depending on what’s been donated Maybe small potatoes or squash Backyard fruit that’s been donated It’s a treat for the visitors to the Casa to receive fresh fruits and vegetables!       HOW YOU CAN HELP Please […] - [About the USA Non-Profit](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-the-non-profit-group/): About Casa De Los Pobres USA Casa De Los Pobres, U.S.A. is a non-profit corporation in support of the Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana, Mexico.  Hundreds of donors help to keep the Casa’s doors open each month, to feed and help the poorest of the poor in the city’s colonias.  We are volunteers who believe in the mission of the Casa and want to share the story in hopes that you will join us in support! The mission of the Casa de los Pobres USA is to support the Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana, Mexico, a non-profit that […] - [The Casa in Tijuana](https://casadelospobresusa.com/about-casa-pobres-tijuana/): About Casa De Los Pobres in Tijuana, Mexico The name means “House of the Poor” in Spanish.  It was originally founded in 1957 by Franciscan Sisters in the Colonia Altamira neighborhood of Tijuana, Mexico. For more than 50 years, Casa de los Pobres has served the “poorest of the poor” in Tijuana. These families live in nothing more than shacks — with cardboard walls that don’t keep out the cold or rain.  (A blanket is each family’s prized possession, and tarps in rainy season are coveted by the people of the Casa.) In some areas, the roads become impassable with […] [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)