Proyecto Desarrollo Humano, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in July 2004 by the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (ICM) and their mission partners to help answer the unmet needs of the people living in isolated colonias in western Hidalgo County. A group of ICM Sisters continue to work along with other staff members and volunteers.

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Proyecto Desarrollo Humano strives to serve individuals and families whose lives are at or below the poverty level in this isolated, rural area. Fathers and mothers do their best to support their families by means of erratic day and evening labor jobs. The average family consists of five living in substandard housing. These individuals are isolated from society's mainstream by language, poverty, and their immigrant status. They are rich in faith and family values. Many of the parents are trying to give their children the chance for a better life than they have known.