Albergue Las Memorias Asociación Civil (ALMAC) has been a pillar of hope in Tijuana since 1999. Founded at the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, Las Memorias began as a hospice where people could spend their final days with dignity. Today, thanks to medical advances, it has grown into a recovery shelter and community support center, serving adults and minors living with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and related diseases.
With services that are free and inclusive, Las Memorias supports people regardless of religion, orientation, gender, or nationality. Every day, it provides:
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Laboratory diagnoses and medical care
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Treatment for active tuberculosis
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Psychotherapy and mental health support
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Food, education, and social assistance
Every day, Las Memorias directly serves about 150 people who rely on its medical and social services. Beyond that, an additional 400 individuals—family members and community members benefit indirectly through food, treatment, and other forms of assistance. The facility currently uses an average of 1,900 kilowatt hours of electricity each month, and the cost of this power has become a significant operating expense. To address this challenge, GRID International, together with partners Savant and IGS, will install a 14.8 kW solar PV system in October 2025. The total estimated cost of the project, including staff time and site visits, is $50,000.
For Las Memorias, solar energy is far more than a cost-saving measure. With electricity bills that average between $250 and $275 per month, the new system will dramatically reduce operating expenses and create long-term financial stability. The benefits extend well beyond the balance sheet: solar power will keep food and medicines safely refrigerated, ensure proper ventilation in the tuberculosis treatment area, and provide resilience during citywide blackouts so that critical services can continue without interruption. Based on past solar projects at Las Memorias in 2019 and 2021, we know these savings make a tangible difference. Lower electricity costs have already allowed the shelter to invest in new spaces that reduce overcrowding and improve the quality of shared areas where residents spend much of their time.
We also want to give our thanks to IGS Energy and Savant for supporting this project!
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