The first SOS Children's Village in Brazil opened its gates in April 1967. It is situated in the south of the country, in Porto Alegre, the capital of the federal state of Rio Grande do Sul. This SOS Children's Village was built on a six-acre site on the outskirts of the city. It consists of twelve family houses, where up to 90 children can find a new home. There is also the village director's house, a house for the so-called SOS aunts (SOS mother trainees or family helpers who support the SOS mothers during their daily work and fill in for them when they are ill or on leave), and an administration and service area. Children from the SOS Children's Village usually attend the local state schools.
On the site of the SOS Children's Village, there is also an SOS Kindergarten, which is open to children from the local community as well. Up to 40 children can be taught at the SOS Kindergarten. An SOS Youth Facility in the city centre accommodates up to 13 youths from the SOS Children's Village. Young people usually move from the SOS Children's Village to an SOS Youth Facility when they start a vocational training course or go on to higher education. With the support of qualified youth workers, the young people develop realistic perspectives for their future, learn to shoulder responsibility and increasingly make their own decisions. They are encouraged to develop team spirit and build up contacts with relatives and friends, as well as with the relevant authorities and potential employers.