The first few months of resettling in another country is extremely isolating and lonely when, after being forced to leave all that you know, you arrive in a culture that is unfamiliar,  you only know a handful of words in the native language, and you don't know anyone except for the few family members who may have come with you.  Friendships and relational support from local residents provides newly arrived refugees a sense of community and belonging, allowing them to rebuild their lives in the comfort of knowing that they are welcomed.

Current assistance opportunities include supporting UPPC's latest Good Neighbor Team,  supporting a local Host Home provider,  or volunteering to be a Host Home for a newly arrived refugee family. Time commitments can be as little as a few hours a month to several hours a week, depending upon availability.  

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.

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/. 

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/.

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.

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/