Joyce Hamilton

A co-founder of Angry Tías and Abuelas in early June, 2018, Joyce was involved in the early response to the bridges and bus stations, organizing backpack stuffing events and distributing supplies to bridges and shelters.

In the spring of 2019, she managed a team of bus station volunteers in Harlingen, to meet families being dropped off daily in large numbers, and coordinated a team to transport refugees to and from airports and bus stations.

She started Bags for Birthday Kids, to support 18 year-olds released to bus stations from child detention centers on their birthday. The bags offer a blanket, a pillow, $20, and a map/information packet. Now that these young adults are taken to La Posada shelter instead of to bus stations, Joyce keeps the bags stocked there.

Most recently Joyce initiated a sewing project for the Matamoros camp, purchasing sewing machines and supplies to allow the women of the camp to sew face masks for the families in the camp. 

She has guided numerous groups into the encampment in Matamoros and frequently answers requests for interviews by national and international media, and speaks to church and civic groups.

After three years of working the bridges, the camp, the bus stations, and the shelters on both sides of the river, with this team of extraordinary women, Joyce decided to step back from the daily work of the Tias in July of 2021. She continues to provide occasional assistance and support, and will always remain close to the Tias.