The Focolare Movement is active in the northeastern part of Haiti, along the border with the Dominican Republic. Since poverty in Haiti is much higher than in the Dominican Republic, many Haitians cross the border illegally in search of work. They usually find work in the sugar cane plantations, in the construction business or as farm workers. Political and cultural tensions exist between the two countries. The Dominican military repatriates many of these illegal migrants, often at the opposite place of their entry (sending them to Haiti through a northern crossing if they entered in the south or vice-versa). These migrants are returned to Haiti without being allowed to go back to their residence to gather their meagre belongings. Therefore, they are totally destitute. Every month several hundreds are returned in this way. Many are repatriated to Haiti near Mont-Organisé, where the Focolare Movement is active. A few years ago, the town of Mont-Organisé built a shelter to provide a place for these migrants to stay for one or two days once they have come across the border. But the town has not the means of providing meals or money to help them return to their home village. People of the Focolare Movement have helped them spontaneously from their own resources by providing the most basic necessities: a mattress and food for a few days.