Compassion for Our Undocumented Population: Yanonali Street

As we continue our work in 2025, one of the most profound reminders of our mission comes from a stretch of pavement just across from the Rescue Mission on Yanonali Street, serving our undocumented population. Early in the morning, long before most of the city awakens, an eager crowd gathers. Undocumented workers await with for the day’s work to begin, driven by courage and strength. Beginning earlier than the sun rises, this community gathers at the edge of the sidewalk, waiting patiently for a chance at work, hoping to earn enough to support themselves and their loved ones.

On the first Wednesday of each month, our Spanish Speaking Outreach Team of volunteers joins them there right where they stand. With food bags, hospitality items, basic medical supplies, a deep sense of purpose, and an urge to help, we show up to remind them that we see them, and they matter. They are not alone and we are here to serve them.

Street Medicine, Pure and Unconditional

This is street medicine in its purest form. It’s care with no ties, no paperwork, and no conditions. We don’t ask for immigration status, we greet them in spanish and offer help as any neighbor would. We ask how they’re feeling, not just physically, but mentally too, because true health means caring for the whole person. We take vitals, treat wounds and sore throats, and offer essentials like chapstick, socks, water, and snacks, basic needs that should never come at a cost. We laugh, we listen, and we build trust. And when more care is needed, we make appointments, no insurance, no ID, no SSN. Just help, given freely. Trust is earned, slowly and sincerely.

Standing with Migrant Workers in Uncertain Times

Many of the people we serve on Yanonali Street live in a constant state of uncertainty, especially under this political climate. The fear of deportation looms large, especially in a place where they become an easy target, but they risk it all to meet the needs of their families. Access to healthcare is almost nonexistent. Language barriers, exploitative working conditions, housing insecurity, it’s a hard reality for our migrant workers. And in a political climate that continues to marginalize undocumented communities, showing up with compassion is not just important, it’s essential for these workers.

Care That Honors Strength and Builds Trust

This population is not defined by its vulnerabilities, but by its strength. These are men who support families across borders, who take pride in their work, who show up every day with resilience that humbles us. What we offer is small in comparison but it’s meaningful. It’s consistent and it’s human.This work is a living expression of DWW-SBSM’s mission: to provide free, volunteer medical care when and where people are in need, especially those who are excluded from traditional systems of care with heightened barriers. It reflects our guiding principles of advocacy, collaboration, and sustainability. We advocate by showing up. We collaborate by building real relationships and connecting them to community resources. We sustain our mission by continuing to meet people exactly where they are, month after month.

The Strength We Serve: Courage, Care, and Community in Action

One of our volunteers recently shared “This community is made up of some of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met. But beyond their work ethic, they are deeply genuine and compassionate. Even in the face of a challenging political climate, they crack jokes, smile through uncertainty, and risk separation every single day, all for the chance to provide for their families. Some trust us as their only source of medical care, relying on us to show up, to listen, and to help in whatever way we can. We won’t let them down. They are the very definition of courage.”

Carrying Dignity: Showing Up with Compassion in 2025

As 2025 unfolds, we remain committed to this work. We’re proud of our Spanish Speaking Outreach Team, whose language skills, cultural fluency, and compassion have created a safe and welcoming experience for those we serve. We know that dignity doesn’t require a building or a badge, sometimes it just requires a backpack full of essentials, a listening ear, and the willingness to show up. They can always count on us.

BY EVELYN SANCHEZ, DWW Communications & Media Volunteer