Located 17 miles north of the Mexican border, the SWGSM is located in a four- county area of Texas known as the Rio Grande Valley. For all its beauty and rich soil, the Rio Grande Valley is plagued by intractable poverty, both rural and urban. This area has the lowest per capita income in the state of Texas and one of the lowest per capita incomes in the nation. It is here where we answer the call to serve our local communities and their needs, and those of our immigrant brothers and sisters who have recently entered the country.
SWGSM began as a cry in response to a cry. Here I am, send me. The needs are devastating, numerous, and immediate. Because immigrants and refugees arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, they earnestly seek our help. We answer. They are hungry, they are frightened. We comfort. They bear marks on their bodies, testaments to the torture and oppression they experienced in their countries of origin. We provide safe shelter.