We’re back in Tijuana at Casa de Luz, working with our partner ORAM to do the doable. Caza de Luz is a growing vibrant LGBTIQ collective of LGBTIQ asylum seekers who are waiting to claim asylum in the U.S.
After brainstorming with the community, we soon became aware that the house was in desperate need of a computer and printer so they can stay connected with the outside world. So we jumped straight to it and created a printing station, installing a new computer and printer. This solved three main issues in the shelter. Number one, the residents have been able to print important documents for their asylum cases and partake in ORAM’s weekly legal assistance services, so they can be the best prepared for their asylum cases. Number two, the residents can now regularly stay in contact with their friends who have already crossed over to the U.S. through video calling. This allows them to continue checking in on one another, share information and support one another on their journey.
And lastly, they are able to spread their story. Storytelling is very important to this LGBTIQ community. With their new communication tool, they’ve been able to amplify their fundraising efforts, sharing videos of their needs and the amazing ideas they have to bring change to their community.
One amazing resident told us, “We are now able to stay in touch with our friends who are in detention, and even make video calls to transcribe their stories and share with the world.”
