About the Casa de los Pobres

The Casa de los Pobres, meaning "House of the Poor," was established in 1957 by the Franciscan Sisters of our Lady of Peace (also called the Franciscan Missionaries of our Lady, Queen of Peace) in the Colonia Altamira Neighborhood of Tijuana, Mexico.

Every day, the Sisters and their volunteers feed about a thousand people who come for a meal. Those who line up are of all ages – men and women, children, elderly, disabled. They are hungry, humble, and grateful for the assistance they receive. Many live in shacks with cardboard walls. They use tarps to keep out the rain. They are the "poorest of the poor.”

Other services provided at the Casa:

Medical care and medications, clean water, basic hygiene supplies, and social services

Weekly "Bodega day "when families bring a bag and receive groceries, typically canned food, bread, rice, and beans. (This may be all the food the family has for the week.)

Visits to the poor in distant Colonias to minister to those who cannot come to the Casa

Christmas distribution when over 1500 families receive food, toys, blankets, and new shoes

Housing for refugees in the "Villa fraternal”

Scholarships to help students attend school, with backpacks and other school supplies provided

These services are made possible by the generosity of donors in the United States, who give to the Casa through the non-profit Casa de los Pobres, USA.

Christmas distribution at the Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana, Mexico

The Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana, Mexico delivers food to the poor

The poor receive food and other supplies from the Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana Mexico

Sister Armida, head of the Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana, Mexico

Sister Guadelupe and another Franciscan Sister at Casa de los Pobres Tijuana

The USA Non-Profit

Casa de los Pobres, USA is a non-profit corporation in support of the Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana, Mexico. The Casa, also a non-profit, serves the poor in Tijuana by providing food, clothing, medical care, and other needed services.

Hundreds of donors, through Casa de los Pobres, USA, help to keep the Casa's doors open each month, to feed and care for the poorest of the poor.

We believe in the mission of the Casa. We want to share the Sisters' story in the hope that you will join us to support them!

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Policies and Documents

We maintain the highest ratings from Charity Navigator (four stars) and Candid (platinum), demonstrating our dedication to fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Our latest tax filing and organizational policies are posted here.

We strive to be the best stewards of your donations, supporting the activities of the Casa with minimal overhead.

501(c)(3) EIN 45-0514951

2025 Tax Form 990

Donor Privacy Policy

Conflict of Interest Policy

Document Retention and Destruction Policy

Whistleblower Policy

A child receives a toy at Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana Mexico

Meet The Volunteer Directors of the USA Non-Profit corporation

Deacon Kevin Murray, MD

President

"I support the Casa because it is a place of tangible compassion where God’s work of mercy is done with humility, faith and great love. The tireless effort of the Sisters and their volunteers magnifies the generosity of us in the USA to bless countless people in need. I am happy to be of some small help in this endeavor."

Rev. Gil Gentile, SJ

Vice President

Jesuit residence, Fordham University

Nick Schoettle

Treasurer

"I support Casa de los Pobres because it serves families in need right here in our backyard. The sisters pour their hearts and their sweat into caring for everyone who comes to the Casa for help."

Renate Pilz, MD

Secretary

“I believe that the Franciscan Sisters at the Casa are contemporary saints, who are doing God’s work among us providing for the poorest of the poor in Tijuana. Nobody in need is ever turned away, and donations are used very responsibly - with minimal overhead.”