The Tijuana center acts as a hub for migrants who, besides much-needed material help, are also offered a familiar and welcoming environment. Each day, 900 to 1,200 meals are served at the house; at Christmas, Easter, and summer, the numbers increase.
But it's not just about food: what counts, too, is hygiene, rest, and psychological and administrative help and assistance, for those dreaming of being reunited with their families in the United States, and those expelled from USA who arrive at the refectory with absolutely nothing.
In addition to managing the refectory itself, the Salesians offer haircuts once a week, psychological and health care assistance - thanks to the Red Cross from Monday to Thursday, and Thursday to Monday via volunteer doctors -, free showers and a change of clothes, as well as the opportunity to phone and contact their families and relatives.
The "Padre Chave" refectory also helps foreigners obtain or manage their official papers documents and it has played a very important role in caring for the Haitian migrants who, in recent months, have flocked into Tijuana.
These days, together with the city's other Salesian centers, "Padre Chava" also functions as a center for gathering primary care packages, such as food and clothes, to be sent as support aid to the Mexican states hit by earthquakes.
Source: Misiones Salesianas
