Mission
Improve the lives of people, families and communities by promoting dignity, independence and inclusion.
About us
Rebuilding lives in Portugal for more than three decades.
Helping, welcoming and supporting people in vulnerable situations.
About us
We are committed to helping, welcoming and supporting marginalised people.
REMAR began its work with marginalised people in Portugal in 1989, in the north of the country, more specifically at Quinta da Bela Vista in Penafiel. Since then, further first- and second-stage residential centres have opened in cities across the north, centre and south of the country, with homes for men and women.
Our work is organised by regions: North, in Greater Porto; Centre, in Coimbra; South, in Greater Lisbon and neighbouring municipalities; and the Algarve. Each region has a direct coordinator and a team that works to develop the mission in that area.
Since 1989, passionate about doing good out of love for God and our neighbour.
Many Portuguese volunteers and missionaries have left Portugal to serve in our missions around the world. Today REMAR works in more than 70 countries, thanks to God and to the support of many volunteers who dedicate their lives to serving others.
Many of the people now fully dedicated to humanitarian aid were themselves helped out of precarious situations. Having lived through similar experiences and found a way forward, they work so that others know they are not fighting alone. We want to stand beside those who wish to change their lives and live with purpose.
Our goal is to address the structural causes of injustice, material and financial inequality, lack of opportunity, isolation, indifference and the erosion of human and Christian values.
History of REMAR International
A mission that began in 1982 and crossed borders.
REMAR, whose name reflects its mission to rehabilitate marginalised people, began in 1982. Its founders, Juan Miguel Díez Álvarez and María Carmen Jiménez Sanz, made their resources available to purchase Quinta de Mendiola in Vitoria, Spain. That place became the birthplace of a project providing material and spiritual support to socially marginalised people.
In 1984 a new centre opened in Pangua and the work reached Guipúzcoa, where the recovery and recycling of materials also began to support integration and the project’s sustainability. International expansion began in 1989, starting with Portugal.
From these first homes, REMAR grew to become present in more than 70 countries. The international network provides residential support, reintegration, education and humanitarian aid, with doors open to those seeking help regardless of origin, social condition or life story.
History of REMAR Portugal
From Penafiel to a nationwide response.
REMAR’s international activity began in Portugal. Since 1989, the work has grown through residential centres, street outreach teams, charity shops, volunteering and humanitarian missions.
- 1989A team led by Ángel Jiménez and Elena Castro Ruiz settles at Quinta da Bela Vista, in Penafiel, and opens REMAR’s first residential centre in Portugal.
- 1990–1992The work reaches Viseu, Lousã and Azambuja. A family home opens and the first charity shops begin supporting the mission’s sustainability.
- 1995–1998A first-stage residential farm is established and the response extends to Palmela and the Algarve. Teams also leave Portugal to begin work in Angola in 1995 and Mozambique in 1996.
- 2009–2011Family facilities open in São João das Lampas, followed by Quinta da Fé in Lourel for men and families. In 2011, the Cooperation Protocol with Partilha Constante Association is established.
- 2015–2019The family response grows in Cabriz. In 2018 the highest annual number of humanitarian-aid containers is shipped, and in 2019 REMAR celebrates 30 years of social support in Portugal.
- TodayREMAR Portugal continues to welcome and support people, develop social projects and mobilise volunteers and partners to respond to needs in Portugal and beyond.
Vision
A society where every person can find support, live with dignity and participate fully in the community.
Values
Human dignity, solidarity, service, responsibility, closeness and respect for every person’s journey.