The fifth Mexican SOS Children's Village was set up in the town of Tijuana, which is close to the US border and to San Diego, California. Many people from the South of Mexico have moved there, since they hope to find a good job or even to emigrate to the United States, which is very risky and in most cases, illegal. Due to their lack of education and professional qualifications, many of them become poor and destitute; some are even ending up as criminals or prostitutes. As a result of the terrible social and economic situation in the area, many children are abandoned, mistreated and abused.
The SOS Children's Village was erected on a 1.8 hectare building site, large enough for the families of the SOS Children's Village to be able to grow their own fruit and vegetables, and the first families moved in in 1993. The infrastructure in the district where the village is located is excellent, as there are hospitals, schools and markets within easy reach of the SOS Children's Village. SOS Children's Village Tijuana consists of 12 family houses, the village director's house, the aunts' or family helpers' house and an administrative and service area.
The adjoining SOS Youth Facility helps young people prepare for independent living.