Here is an update on our St. Paul’s collaboration with RefugeeNet in assisting the resettlement of 29 refugees from Africa and the Middle East. The response from the St. Paul’s community and our various networks of family, friends, and colleagues has been so good that it appears we will be able to “adopt” one of the families yet to arrive (i.e., furnish and equip their apartment)!
Thank you to everyone who has donated items or has offered to do so, and thank you very much for monetary donations as well! In addition to the items on the list (see link below), used functional cell phones are needed. Also smart TVs would be much appreciated and helpful as the new arrivals develop their English skills. Please let us know if you have access to these.
The first few families—13 adults and children—are settling into their lives in San Diego. All are now residing in long-term housing, they are being connected with needed services, work authorizations are coming through, and the children just started school. Two additional large extended families are expected later this month, and a young man will be arriving this week to join his aunt and two cousins who came last month.
Also, if you would like to provide person-to-person support, there is a need for help with transportation to appointments, grocery shopping, bus/public transit training/practice, cell phone orientation, English language conversation and practice, etc. Please let us know if you’d like to learn more about volunteering to help with this important aspect of resettlement support.
As expected, finding appropriate housing has been a challenge. Two additional apartments/houses will be needed. If you happen to know anyone who has rental property—even short-term—and who would be willing to rent to a refugee family at an affordable rate (families will receive some public assistance in addition to the initial amount of expense money provided by the U.S. State Dept., and after they’ve been here the required amount of time, adults will be able to work), please let us know.
For FAQs, a list of needed items, and other ways to help, click here.
Please contact Joan Reese (jmreese@gmail.com) to find out more and sign up to receive progress updates.
Updated January 15, 2025
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