El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico form the largest metro area straddling an international border in the world.  Juarez has a large number of immigrants from southern Mexico and Latin America.  Most of the population feels there are better opportunities farther north... i.e. the USA... and so many seek work in El Paso or attempt to immigrate into the US.

In the past Juarez’s economy has depended heavily on the maquilas, or factories, but many of those are closing and moving to Asia, where labor is even cheaper than in Mexico. 

Thus the population is facing more unemployment than before and the government infrastructure is not set up to provide basic services and needs for its own people.  The minimum wage is right around $5 a DAY.  Obviously, this families have a hard time affording decent housing.  Many build makeshift homes of cardboard, tires, and pallets... We can help make a difference!

In spite of the depravity, people in Juarez have hope for something better.  Many think the answer to their problems is a job in the U.S.  We know the only real answer is Jesus.