March Updates: Hope, Healing & Community

Every day at Casa Collin, we witness resilience, hope, and the power of community. These past weeks have been no exception. Thanks to your support, we continue to welcome new guests, help them find stability, and ensure that those moving on do so safely. Here’s what’s been happening:

New Arrivals & Immediate Care

We continue to welcome migrants seeking rest and safety after long, exhausting journeys. While the number of guests is lower than in previous months, those who arrive are staying longer, taking time to carefully consider their next steps. With guidance from our friends at MANOS and legal advisors, they are exploring their options for the future.

Seven young men recently left Casa Collin and safely arrived in Mexico City. Hailing from El Salvador, Colombia, and Ecuador, they met on their journey and formed a bond, deciding to continue together. Their path to Casa Collin began with a chance encounter with Coni from Oaxaca Lending Library, who kindly directed them to our shelter.

Access to Essential Care

Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and local businesses, we’ve been able to connect guests with the care they urgently need:

Dental Care: One guest, in serious need of dental work, was referred to a nearby       school of dentistry, where he successfully received treatment and dentures.

Medical Attention: A woman who fractured her arm last August is now receiving physiotherapy through our volunteer health professionals and Clínica Hospital del Pueblo.

Prenatal Care: Two expectant mothers staying at the shelter are receiving excellent prenatal care through Parteras Apoyando Migrantes (PAM).

Mental Health Support: Guests at Casa Collin also have access to counseling from volunteer psychologists, specializing in support for children, teens, and adults.

Casa Collin thrives because of our incredible volunteers—both foreign and Oaxacan residents—who share their skills and kindness with those in need. We are deeply grateful to all the professionals who make this care possible.

Guest Feature: Meet Lina & Juan

In the video below, Lina and Juan, two of our guests, share their journey—a powerful reminder of why spaces like Casa Collin are so important. Special thanks to Brian Parks for capturing their story and Cheri Bokern for coordinating this project!

How You Can Help

Stories like Lina and Juan’s are why we remain committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for those on the move. Your support ensures we can continue this work.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

Volunteer your skills—practical skills like teaching English, yoga classes, arts and crafts, or practical work skills.

Donate essential items—hygiene kits, food, clothing, used, but functioning computers (for two guests who wish to continue studying online), cell phones, tablets, and chargers.

Help spread the word—share our mission with organizations or companies that might want to support.

Make a financial contribution— visit our donation page to learn how your support directly impacts our work.

Thank you for standing with us. Your generosity makes Casa Collin a true place of refuge.

With gratitude,

The Casa Collin Team