Casa Lulu: A Place of Hope and Love

Casa Lulu, in Reynosa, México, is more than a shelter; it is a safe place full of hope and love for several torture survivors, survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, single mothers, chronically sick people, asylum seekers and refugees. Each group staying in the safe house gets the best access to the resources they need to continue their journey or to await the review or approval of their asylum application. Lulu and her husband Armando administer Casa Lulu, which they do for free out of the kindness of their hearts.

Thanks to non-profit organizations such as Global Response Management (GRM), Médicos sin Fronteras, Angry Tías and Abuelas, World Kitchen, and many others, the administrator of Casa Lulu can provide numerous services to the residents of Casa Lulu, la Casa de Los Haitianos, and the unhoused asylum seeker population in Reynosa.

Paid and volunteer physical administrators, nurses, physicians, interpreters, and others maintain Casa Clínica. The patient is then sent to the available doctor or nurse where he or she is treated and receives medication. If the patient can’t receive medical attention because the clinic may lack the necessary personnel to support and care for immigrant patients, they are taken somewhere else by staff from Casa Lulu and the GRM.

All fees, medications, and medical consultations are free for migrant patients. GRM, Casa Lulu, and Casa Clínica cover the costs of these services, which are made possible by contributions collected from the community via Angry Tías y Abuelas and GRM.

The individuals who run these two shelters and put forth this effort do so because they know Reynosa’s needs and shelter limitations. Lulu began assisting others at 16 years old, and she started her advocacy work alongside her father. The drive and inspiration for Lulu and her husband’s work stem from her father.

Lulu started asking her family and friends for donations as a teenager. After collecting these donations, she began creating food bags for her community’s most underprivileged, but she has always preferred aiding the migrant population.

Lulu and her husband Armando have an extensive understanding of the effects of Title 42 and the MPP (Migrant Protection Protocol) on migrants transiting through Reynosa. In addition, they comprehend the challenges faced by the migrant population, owing to their respect for culture, language, and food. Furthermore, they have a depth of knowledge, having spent many previous years assisting immigrants in their pursuit of better lives and the American dream. Lulu and Armando’s activities for these shelters extend beyond providing food, opportunity, immigration paperwork, and medical care. They also help reestablish faith, love, self-confidence, and self-esteem in the migrant community so they, and all those who assist them on their challenging journey, may endure.

We have faith and know that Lulu and Armando’s efforts will continue. Tribuno del Pueblo, Lulu, and Armando would welcome the community’s assistance in engaging with other activists to end the abusive practices that Mexico and the United States frequently use to oppress the immigrant population. They need moral and financial support to continue their rigorous work on the front lines.

How your contribution will help:

• Two Casas (shelters), one for immigrants from Mexico, Centro America and South America, and one for Haitians

• General funds for housing (rent), gas, and other expenses

• General funds for housing (rent), gas, and other expenses

• Two immigration lawyers on call

• Medicos Sin Fronteras

• Migrants themselves volunteer to help with arrivals

• Collective care

• School for migrant children

(and more)

Venmo: @Casa-Lulu-2018