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safe haven

For I was a stranger and you invited me in

Matthew 25:35

In partnership with World Relief Western Washington, UPPC's Safe Haven Ministry welcomes refugees and other local immigrants seeking a safe place to call home. 

Refugee resettlement

The first few months of resettling in another country can be extremely confusing, isolating and lonely when, as you learn to navigate a new culture and a new language.  Friendships and relational support from local residents provide newly arrived refugees a sense of community and belonging, allowing them to rebuild their lives in the comfort of knowing that they are welcomed.

Resettlement Assistance

Build friendships and community with refugees resettling in our area!

Volunteer opportunities to assist with refugee resettlement is currently on hold. We hope to have new opportunities in the near future. 

Post-Release Welcome Team Volunteers 

Be a warm and friendly face to those released from Tacoma's ICE Processing Center!
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 receive released detainees outside the processing center and help them navigate the next steps on their journey. This involves helping people contact family and friends, providing guidance for travel to a next destination, navigation to host homes and temporary housing, and supplying food, backpacks and clothing.  Though these encounters are brief, they have a meaningful impact on all involved.  Email [email protected] to volunteer.

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.

Donate Funds

Make a financial contribution to UPPC's Safe Haven ministry and help refugees receive the essential items and services they need to rebuild their lives.  
Donate

Other Opportunities

ESL Friendship Class

Open to all adults, this weekly class helps participants improve their use of spoken English. Volunteers work with students learning 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.

School Success Coach
(Virtual or In-Person; Flexible Scheduling)

Refugee Youth Mentor

Refugee students often face unique challenges that can cause them to fall behind in school due to their circumstances.  School Success Coaches meet with a student weekly to complete homework assignments together, practice academic concepts, and tackle English vocabulary and grammar.

Learn more at worldrelief.org/western-wa.
Mentors walk alongside refugee and asylee youth ages 18-24 with the goal of developing mutually transformative relationships. Young adults set their life, career, or educational goals and mentors meet regularly to support, find resources and build relationship.

Learn more at worldrelief.org/western-wa.

Supplies for Asylum Seekers

Volunteer with  World Relief

Immigrants released from the NW Immigration Detention Center often leave with no more than the clothes on their back.  Donate 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, 2356 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma WA 98402.
Help refugees prepare for employment. Be a Cultural Companion. Serve as an ESL Tutor or English Class Assistant. Or serve in World Relief's community garden or commercial kitchen.  

Check out the many volunteer roles in King and Thurston Counties at worldrelief.org/western-wa/

Advocacy

Join others in advocating on behalf of refugees and immigrants based on the example of Jesus. Advocacy serves as an important witness to a watching world  that the Christian faith compels us to seek justice and mercy for the vulnerable and suffering.  

Check out the issues and petitions that currently need advocating at worldrelief.org/western-wa/.