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Welcome to Paper Houses Across the Border

What sets us apart is that we walk the streets of the poor. We listen, assess needs face-to-face, and act fast — often within hours — to respond to medical emergencies. After urgent needs are met, we follow up personally with local doctors, neighbors, and community leaders to evaluate what support is truly needed. We’ve seen that while most requests are genuine, a few have been dishonest. That’s why we balance compassion with accountability — because we are committed to being faithful stewards of the trust and support you give us.

Boys in street between shacks

Shelters

Feeding the homeless

We support two vital shelters—one for children rescued from trafficking, and another for adults with physical, mental, or addiction challenges. Children's Shelter: We provide monthly support, supplies, and—most recently—guitars, drums, and art materials. Music and creativity help these children heal. For their safety, we don’t share their photos online.

Adult Shelter: What began with a few people taken off the streets now serves over 100 residents, including women recovering from addiction. With the help of volunteer doctors and community support, this shelter is a place of real change.

Our promise: We don’t just drop off supplies—we show up, stay connected, and build trust.

The Blind and Visually Imapaired

We’re proud to support Ojos del Alma Acuña (“Eyes of the Soul”), a groundbreaking program led by Professor Alma Jiménez in Acuña, Mexico. After years of helping blind and visually impaired children, we met Professor Alma—an inspiring educator who not only teaches blind students but also trains their families and public school teachers. Her work ensures that blind children aren’t just attending school—they’re earning diplomas by completing the same curriculum as their sighted peers. We’ve helped provide: Braille machines and teaching materials Canes, recorders, and learning tools Laptops and special software for students with limited vision This program is changing lives—one student, one family, and one classroom at a time.

Medical Crisis: When Every Second Counts

We respond quickly to medical emergencies—because some situations can’t wait. Whether it’s a newborn needing surgery, a child injured in an accident, or a baby like [insert name] who needed urgent care to survive, we step in when time matters most. In addition to emergency care, we continue to provide: Life-changing surgeries for children Prosthetics, hearing aids, and eyeglasses Ongoing access to medicine and treatment Our donors make these miracles possible—one child at a time.

Education

We believe education changes everything—and we’re committed to giving students the tools they need to succeed. Our support has included:

Books, computers, and laptops for special needs children

Backpacks filled with school supplies.

Building materials.

Repairs to callrooms.

Playground equipment.

Instruments for Music Class and School Band.

Emergency Relief: Fast Help When Disaster Strikes

When twin tornadoes strike, fires destroy homes, or floodwaters rise above rooftops, we respond immediately. We provide: Hot meals and groceries Cleaning supplies and mattresses Follow-up support to replace school supplies, furniture, and basic essentials Our rapid response brings comfort, hope, and the first steps toward recovery.

Feeding Children and Families

It began with 28 hungry children. Teachers told us they couldn’t concentrate in class—so we began providing meals. But we couldn’t ignore the 980 other students who were still going hungry. Thanks to our generous donors, we built school cafeterias and have now served millions of free meals. We also deliver groceries directly to families in need—many of whom skip meals so their children can eat. For children undergoing chemotherapy, this food can be life-saving. Together, we’re making sure no child has to learn—or heal—on an empty stomach.

Featured child in need

Welcome to Paper Houses Across the Border

We support or provide:

Medical Care Shelters Help for the Blind Education Substance Abuse Treatments Build School Cafeterias Free Meals for School Children Deliver Food Directly to People in Need Help Special Needs Children

Hope Began with a Walk

We began simply—walking through neighborhoods, handing out small bags of food. It was personal. It still is.

A Shelter in Crisis

One day, we found a children’s shelter that had lost its sponsor. The kids had nowhere to go. We stepped in to feed and protect all 27 of them.

A School with Hungry Students

At a local school, a teacher told us her youngest students were too hungry to learn. We started by feeding 40 children. Then we built cafeterias. Now, thousands of children eat every day.

A Foot Saved

We met a young boy who was about to lose his foot at a public hospital. We paid for private surgery—and saved it. Since then, we’ve helped many others receive medical care they couldn’t afford.

Why We Exist

We exist to meet real needs, face to face—whether that’s eyeglasses, food, shelter, or life-saving treatments. We go where help is needed most.

Jarrio in cast

Medical Needs

Small boy eating burger at cafeteria

Free School Meals

Bob Decker at entrance to shelter next to sign

Shelters of all Types

Blind girl and Alma

Helping the Blind

Girl at scool

Schools Supplies

Child holding plastic bag of groceries

Groceries to Families

Hope Continues with One Small Act

We began by walking through neighborhoods and handing out small bags of food—no fanfare, just help where it was needed.

Then we found a children’s shelter that had lost its sponsor. We stepped in to protect and feed 27 children.

A school teacher said, “The children arrive, too hungry to concentrate.” We started feeding 40 students. That turned into building cafeterias—and have provided over a million free meals since that small beginning.

We met a boy about to lose his foot at a public hospital. We covered surgery at a private clinic—and saved his foot. Since then, we've made glasses, chemotherapy, and other life-changing care possible for many others.

And it just keeps growing.