The Solidarity Scoop - May

Program Highlights

WASH & Basic Infrastructure

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)

Extreme heat is here, and so are the compounding needs.

With temperatures consistently reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and large storms rolling through the region, displaced populations are being disproportionately affected by these extreme climate events

Our project portfolio includes formal shade structures for camps and shelters across the region, including the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) health clinic at Senda de Vida 2 (as featured in our Instagram post below!)

While our permanent infrastructure offers some protection from the elements, many people remain vulnerable to extreme sun and severe storms. That's why our team is focused on rapid response to meet critical water and climate-related needs. This includes increasing regional coordination of water resources and providing storm-related supplies such as tarps and mosquito management solutions

See the Supplies We Distributed

In May, we distributed supplies at 7 partner sites.

See everything we’ve provided through our Supply Tracker: water, soap, diapers, menstrual pads, and more!

Play & STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics (STEAM)

Project Update: Senda de Vida Play Park

We are excited to share the latest on our new playground project! Our team has successfully cleared the land, setting the stage for construction to begin.

To ensure the playground's sustainability, we conducted an initial site analysis to identify areas prone to pooling and flooding. This critical information will inform the design of the site layout and topography, helping us create a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

During a collaborative brainstorming session with Cas Holman and our cross-border Solidarity Engineering staff, Cas showed our team how to identify play opportunities at the play park site. Together we explored ideas and concepts, narrowing down materials and priorities to design a space that fosters creativity, exploration, and joy. We can't wait to see this vision come to life!

Want to support the new play park? Donate today!

STEAM Class Snapshot

Lesson of the Week: Art

As engineers, we know the power of innovation and creativity in problem-solving.

That's why in May, our science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) classes focused on math and art. Here’s what our Lead Field Engineer and STEAM class leader, Jose, said about the lesson:

“For art class, we interacted with the children through drawings, allowing them to express their emotions by creating images that bring back beautiful memories. We also asked them to draw their flag, among other drawings.”

Check out our complete list of services here!

Data, Tech & Advocacy

Forming the first WASH working group in Matamoros.

After the largest shelter in Matamoros was left without water, our team swiftly responded to address the crisis. We arranged for water tanks to be filled throughout May and simultaneously organized a working group comprising multiple UN organizations, international entities, local groups, and governmental entities in Mexico to better meet ongoing water needs in the region.

With Biden’s recent U.S. Executive Order (which includes major policy changes reminiscent of Trump-era policies), strategic resource application is more crucial than ever. Our advocacy efforts are focused on ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to support the most vulnerable populations.

New things we’re excited about:

New kitchen at the Rio Camp in Reynosa, Mexico!

People living in “informal camps” like the Rio Camp often have to cook over an open flame. This makes the camps especially vulnerable to fires as there are often over 10 bonfires lit throughout the camp.

Our team has been working to construct a formal kitchen area to reduce the risk of fires and give camp residents a safe, central place to cook. The kitchen roof structure is underway, and the completed kitchen will be fitted with a fire extinguisher and hand washing sink to improve hygiene access.

Grad Student Practicums: Summer Kickoff!

Summer is our busiest season and wouldn’t be possible without the support of our practicum students!

Starting our summer with two students from McMaster University, this is one of many universities we work with across the globe. To date, Solidarity has also partnered with the University of Colorado, Columbia, Elisava Barcelona, SIT, Villanova, Drexel, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, and CUNY.

Affiliated with a university that you think would partner well with Solidarity? Let us know!

Our work is only possible because of our global network of supporters like you. Thank you for standing in Solidarity.

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