Bethany House - El Paso, TX

As seen from an aerial view, migrants line up along the U.S.-Mexico border fence to apply for asylum in the United States on Dec. 21, 2022 as viewed from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Information and Registration

The new collaborative initiative between Maryknoll Lay Missioners & Affiliates to live in community and

work with migrants – most often through Annunciation House – is underway. The six bedroom house on

E. Rio Grande is fully furnished and folks (all Maryknollers are welcome) have begun to arrive.

All applicants are required to fill out a registration form for both Bethany House and Annunciation House. The Bethany House application is for housing while volunteering in El Paso, and the Annunciation House link is for a work assignment.

Registration Info

This application for Bethany House is for lodging while volunteering in El Paso, and a separate application is required for Annunciation House for a work assignment. Annunciation House is the organization that can place you in a site to work with migrants.

  • Once you’ve completed the Bethany House application, it will be reviewed by either or both Santa Orlando & Bob Short. More than likely you will receive a call from one of them.

  • If approved, and you’ve signed the provided release form, you will receive the link to a background check. This Background check is a necessary step that insurers require. It includes State/Federal/Criminal Sex Offender checks. You are asked to pay for that check. The prices varies by state but expect something around $50.

  • All the collected information will be entered on a spread sheet for better management of this initiative. You will also receive a welcome letter from Bethany House with more details.

  • Miscellaneous

    • Bethany House on East Rio Grande is a short bus ride (a block away) and a long walk from El Paso Center

    • Special needs – if you have special food or physical needs, please include in the application

Additional Information

  • Minimum stay at Bethany House is for two weeks. Annunciation House requires two full weeks. Travel time is additional to the two weeks. You are welcome and encouraged to stay for an extended time, e.g., weeks & months.

  • Community – in addition to the important work with migrants, the collaborative community is an essential piece for those living at Bethany House. As work schedules allow, common reflection/prayer, meals, conversations, socializing fun, etc. will be a part.

  • Costs:

    • Background check – about $50

    • Travel – air & ground travel are the responsibility of each volunteer.

    • Food - $125 each person for two weeks

    • Rent – Since the Affiliate movement has covered rent, affiliates do not need to give anything towards rent. You can choose to do so if desired but there is no expectation. Lay Missioners and others are asked to check with Elvira Ramirez, MKLM Executive Director to determine if there is an expected rent payment.

    • Utilities – are included without cost to volunteers