March 25, 2025
This blog is part of a series where we shine a light on the helping hands that made some of our Mexico projects possible. From culinary chefs cooking and distributing meals for migrants to local creatives using their art to inspire peace in their neighborhoods—progress would not be possible without the helping hands of local heroes who step up to bring change to their communities and make Search’s projects a reality.
Meet Fernanda— a humanitarian worker in charge of one of the biggest migrant and refugee shelters in Latin America: Hospitalidad y Solidaridad (HyS).
Fernanada had a strong desire to contribute to society and make a difference since her childhood. This drive led her to participate in various volunteer programs, which brought her, in 2018, face to face with “migrant caravans” in Tapachula (large gatherings of people from Central America traveling together, usually on foot, to reach the U.S. border). These caravans typically include families, individuals, and sometimes unaccompanied minors seeking asylum, better economic opportunities, or safety from violence and political instability in their home countries. Spending two months helping these migrants deeply impacted her:
“Once you experience this reality, you can’t remain indifferent.”
Shelter, Support and Integration
Her journey and ultimate realization that nothing moves forward without volunteers led to Fernanda leading the Hospitalidad y Solidaridad shelter which provides temporary housing, support for integration processes, and political-social advocacy aimed at making Mexico a more welcoming and hospitable place for refugees and asylum seekers.
The nature of her work creates strong bonds with those at the shelter: she celebrates with them when they achieve refugee status and shares in their sorrow during difficult times. “Over 5,000 people from different nationalities and backgrounds have passed through this shelter.” recounts Fernanda. Of course, this type of work is not easy and an openness and willingness to embrace different cultures, languages, people, and perspectives is essential, she explained. As a humanitarian worker, she highlights the need for a compassionate heart and emotional resilience because “you encounter situations that deeply impact you.”
In spite of the tough conditions, where funding for daily necessities such as food, child support, and psychological care for the refugees is hard to come by, Fernanda has remained dedicated to her work thanks to witnessing firsthand the power of her colleagues selflessly dedicating their time to helping others. Guiding other volunteers, sharing what worked, learning from mistakes, and watching them grow has been an enriching journey for her at Hospitalidad y Solidaridad.
Finding Strength Through Community and Land
One of the most impactful experiences in her career has been collaborating with Search for Common Ground on a community farm project where migrants learn the skills necessary for harvesting land and running a chicken coop at the Hospitalidad y Solidaridad shelter. The initiative offers occupational therapy, skill-building opportunities, and a space for knowledge-sharing.
The community plays a crucial role in supporting migrants and fostering peace. While Tapachula has historically experienced migration flows from Central America, its population includes people of diverse national origins. Projects like the community farm serve as a bridge, helping integrate the local community with migrants. By building a network of support, these initiatives combat misinformation, hate speech, xenophobia, and false narratives and by participating in the project, refugees gain visibility in the community and are recognized as striving for a better future. This growing visibility fosters a sense of understanding and peace in the wider community.
Many migrants have even expressed to Fernanda that they might never have left their communities if they had known how to cultivate the land in their home countries. Learning these skills gives them valuable tools they can use wherever they go.
“Working with the land changes you—we see it first hand,” says Fernanda.
A Vision of Peace Through Community Work
“My ideal vision of peace is a world where many worlds can coexist, where respect and tolerance for diversity exists, and where we can all thrive.” Fernanda shares.
In Tapachula, local groups organize peaceful spaces where people can come together safely. Despite the city’s negative reputation in the media, these small sanctuaries of peace exist, where neighbors build connections and support each other.
Working with Search has been a great experience from the start. “There was always trust, clarity, and a sense of belonging. Knowing exactly what was expected made executing activities in the field much easier.” She learned that collaboration between multiple organizations is possible and fruitful.
“The land and chicken coop projects are perfect examples. What started as a small initiative within the shelter has now expanded to a full hectare of land. Search has always been willing to help, and I truly enjoy working with them.”
Sharing her final thoughts with us, Fernanda said: “I want to invite everyone to consider that while there are many needs everywhere, there is a space in Tapachula committed to helping, accompanying, and dignifying people’s lives. I encourage you to find ways to collaborate and support.”
At Hospitalidad y Solidaridad, they firmly believe that solidarity is the way forward. “We are working to build a world that includes everyone.”
Want to meet more inspiring changemakers? Read the rest of our Helping Hands in Mexico series to discover how local chefs use food to unite communities and how an artist painting murals is inspiring peace in the community.
