New Mexico Conference and Rio Texas Conference cabinets experienced and learned about the migrant shelter and ministry at El Calvario in Las Cruces. Both cabinets were incredibly grateful for the efforts and impact of this ministry.

While touring the small facilities, a bus arrived to drop off about 50 people – mostly single mothers and their children. They came from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Brazil, and Bolivia. Not surprisingly, they looked exhausted and frightened. El Calvario Facility Director Suzie Torres welcomed the migrants and made sure they knew where they were. She and the staff assured them of shelter, a meal, and a shower. Suzie provided a short orientation in Spanish to let them know how the shelter works and what would happen next. They made it clear that arriving at the shelter does not automatically grant the migrants asylum. A long legal process will follow. El Calvario provides as much information and reassurance as they can.

As soon as they can, they feed the families a hot meal. To date, they have offered over 10,000 meals. They can shower and change into new clothes—if they want them. Families also receive hygiene supplies, medical care, and anything else they might need during their short stay. This is all offered with a sense of care and dignity.

Dignity means every person matters. Dignity means each person is a child of God. Dignity means we must offer real, authentic care because each person is valuable and precious in God’s eyes. We saw dignity offered at El Calvario that day.

Suzie also mentioned that one of the items they really need are shoes of all sizes. At the border, they take most of the immigrants’ shoes (or shoe laces) and leave them with Crocs that are way too big. The shelter is always looking for donations of new clothes, underwear, and socks.

El Calvario has outgrown its current facilities. Rev. George Miller explained that over the last three years, they have been planning for growth. El Calvario resides in an historic area of Las Cruces. Every building plan needs to be approved and supported by the city. This bureaucratic process slows planning.

The shelter received a grant from the New Mexico Annual Conference to add a shower and an industrial level kitchen. However, they need more restrooms and showers to serve the community more fully. They also need extra lodging to more comfortably process and house people overnight. El Calvario receives grants and support from The United Methodist Church, Texas Methodist Foundation, New Mexico Conference, and federal grants.

We were given freeze-dried apples during our visit which are prepared in the facility. Freeze drying helps in preserving and shipping food more efficiently. They were delicious. At El Calvario, you can get a very tasty snack of apples and a generous portion of dignity!

The visit left us wanting to do more. If you’re interested in finding out about El Calvario UMC Shelter and offering support, the website is: resiliencylc.org

Written by Rev. Dr. Robert Lopez & Alli Newsom