Casa El Norte was founded by local families who were moved to action after hearing the story of Isaac, a young refugee boy who survived a violent attack in El Salvador. Issac arrived with his father at the Peace Bridge with no place to go. This sparked a growing volunteer movement that offered housing, support, and hope to asylum seekers and people in need of protection.
Since 1984, Casa El Norte has supported over 10,000 people, helping people find safety, rebuild their lives, and feel empowered to start anew. Rooted in a strong tradition of community, Casa El Norte continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of the community.
Audio and closed captioned visual storytelling of the history of Casa El Norte.
History of Casa El Norte 2025 (pdf)
Download