safe haven

For I was a stranger and you invited me in

Matthew 25:35

UPPC's Safe Haven Ministry welcomes refugees and other local immigrants seeking a safe place to call home.

new good neighbor team

Launching November 2023!

Info Meeting: October 15 | 10:30 am & 12:15 pm | UPPC Gym

Registration Deadline: November 1

Join the Team

What are Good Neighbor Teams?

Today, refugees and other immigrants in the United States are in need of local community members who will welcome and help them navigate new challenges as they seek to rebuild their lives in the U.S. Good Neighbor Teams (GNTs) provide the opportunity to build mutually transformative relationships and to navigate the challenges of resettlement together.

Made up of 6-10 volunteers, Good Neighbor Teams (GNTs) are matched with a refugee or other immigrant newcomer(s) through World Relief. These teams commit to walking alongside newcomers for 6-12 months, helping them achieve stability in their new community. Watch the videos below to learn more.

Questions? Contact Lisa Woicik ([email protected])

Welcome Team Volunteers

Be a warm and friendly face to someone beginning their resettlement journey!

Home to the nation's fourth largest immigration processing center, dozens of immigrants leave Tacoma's ICE processing center every week looking for repite, a warm meal and transportation before heading to their next destination. One weekend a month, Safe Haven Welcome Team members share the responsibility of feeding, providing temporary housing (in a host home or a UPPC paid hotel room), and transporting these individuals to the airport. Though these encounters are brief, they have a meaningful impact on all involved. Email [email protected] to volunteer.

Social Services Volunteers

Assist refugees and asylum seekers navigate local community resources!

Social Services Volunteers assist asylum seekers and immigrants staying in the Seattle-Tacoma area navigate community resources while they look for work and permanent housing. Volunteers are able to provide assistance virtually with occasional visits to World Relief's Kent office. More information at worldrelief.org/western-wa/get-involved/volunteer/post-release/.

Temporary Housing

Provide temporary housing for newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers!

World Relief matches newly-arrived refugees, asylees, SIV holders, and immigrants leaving the ICE processing center in Tacoma with local Host Homes who provide a safe place to stay, friendship and much needed rest for those in a time of transition. Most volunteers host1-3 individuals one weekend a month. Some are asked to host longer based upon the host's schedule and the needs of the program. More information at worldrelief.org/western-wa/get-involved/volunteer/host-home-volunteer/.

Other Opportunities

ESL Friendship Class

Open to all adults, this weekly class helps participants improve their use of spoken English. Volunteers work with students to help them learn and practice English, and create friendships along the way. Basic computer skills and an e-mail account are required! For details, contact Marion Tilley, [email protected].

Class meets Wednesdays, 9-10 am, via Zoom.

Supplies for Asylum Seekers

Crafts & Yarn for Asylum Seekers

Immigrants released from the NW Immigration Detention Center often leave with no more than the clothes on their back. Donate new underwear, socks, hotel-sized toiletries, gently used jackets and other adult clothing items by emailing [email protected]. Or order items from the approved Amazon list and have them delivered to AIDNW Hospitality House, 1915 S. Sheridan Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405.

Asylum seekers in the NW Immigration Detention Center pass the time by crocheting and crafting with donated supplies. Order items from the approved Amazon list and have them delivered to AIDNW Hospitality House, 1915 S. Sheridan Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405.

Volunteer with World Relief

Help refugees prepare for employment. Serve as an ESL assistant, Become a refugee youth mentor. Check out these and other volunteers opportunities at World Relief Western Washington: worldrelief.org/western-wa/

Advocacy

Write letters, emails and make phone calls to help ensure there is local and national support for immigrants. More information at worldrelief.org/western-wa/.