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.

Urgent Funding Needed for Refugees

Many refugee families in our community and across the country rely on vital support for food, shelter, and transportation during their first 90 days resettling in the U.S. Funding for these essential services—impacting nearly 4,000 individuals nationally and 471 locally—has ended.* These families who have been promised refuge and services in our communities are now at risk of going hungry and homeless.

As a faith community, we are called to extend compassion and hospitality. By making an extra contribution to UPPC’s Safe Haven Fund, you can help ensure these newly arrived refugees receive the support they need through World Relief. The circumstances are dire for these families, and they need our help now.

*See the press release from World Relief for more information about the ending of funding. More information about World Relief's resettlement services and needs can be found at worldrelief.org/western-wa/.

Donate

Host Home Volunteers Needed

World Relief is looking for Host Home Volunteers who are willing to open up their home to local refugees for 4-8 weeks while they look for jobs and obtain income to rent an apartment. Learn more about being a host home at https://worldrelief.org/western-wa/get-involved/volunteer/host-home-volunteer/.

If you are interested in hosting a refugee family or have questions, email Lisa Woicik, Minister of Outreach and Mission.

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.

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/.

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

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.

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/.