Refugee Support

World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day was June 20. It is an international day to honor refugees around the globe, celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes to escape conflict or persecution, and lament the circumstances that led to their forced displacement and harrowing journeys to find refuge. World Refugee Day offers us an opportunity to build empathy and understanding for the plight of refugees, to recognize their resilience, to pray for displaced people and their homelands, and to take time to discern how God is calling us, as Christ followers, to provide compassionate care for refugees and other displaced people.

There’s a saying “Service to mankind is service to God.” But the question remains, “Who, how, when, and where do we serve?” The Trinity Missions team will be providing short, timely monthly lists of specific organizations, groups or people that need your help.

To get involved in refugee resettlement contact the following:

Bridging helps furnish apartments for newly-arrived refugees. Currently they are looking for gently used (would you give it to a friend?) bed frames, chairs, desks (24” x 42” or smaller), sofas, bookcases, vacuums and small appliances.
Contact: 952-888-1105, https://bridging.org/give-stuff/
Drop-off: Bridging, 1730 Terrace Drive, Roseville, MN; Mon-Thurs (9 to 6);
Fri-Sat (9 to 3)

Lutheran Social Services is looking for tutors for adult refugees who cannot attend regular ESL classes to practice their English. Weekly one-hour sessions are scheduled at the discretion of the volunteer and availability of the refugee. The initial commitment is three months. Meetings take place at the refugee’s home or in the community for language-learning “field trips.”
Contact: Lynn Mullin, LSS Refugee Services Coordinator; 612-470-8806 or Lynn.Mullin@lssmn.org.

The Minnesota Council of Churches is looking for “Befrienders” to work one-on-one with refugees to help them navigate our transportation system, adjust to new customs, and learn new language skills. Volunteer Befrienders provide social support to greatly increase a refugee’s ability to transition to self-sufficiency. The role involves a six-month commitment and meeting with your refugee friend 2-4 hours every week or every other week.
Contact: MCC Volunteer Coordinator at 612-230-3291 or rsvolunteers@mnchurches.org

And if you’re short on time …
International Institute of Minnesota is seeking donations to help refugees, asylees and survivors of trafficking settle into their new homes via their “Amazon Wishlist Program.” Items are shipped to the IIMN office then distributed to new arrivals. The most needed items are bedding, kitchen, bath and cleaning supplies.
To donate, visit: iimn.org/how-to-help/donate-goods/ or go directly to www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1DJNU5TFF7CGT

This video debuted in worship on Feb. 4, 2024 as our Mission Minute.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO AFGHAN REFUGEES
Our congregation, along with other interested churches and groups, has sponsored a family from Afghanistan who has now settled in the state of Minnesota. We continue to help with school needs, work needs, transportation and love for our friends in need. Questions? Contact Kat Carlsen or Spike Carlsen.

There are five agencies in Minnesota designated, and funded, by the U.S. State Department to help resettle refugees in the state. All can use volunteers and donations.
To become involved contact:

MINNESOTA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES (MCC)
This organization is currently looking for volunteers to serve as Befrienders, Resettlement Assistants, Apartment Set-Up Volunteers and Immigration Administrative Assistants. To get involved contact rsvolunteers@mnchurches.org.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF MINNESOTA 
Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas. For more information, visit https://www.lssmn.org/get-involved/volunteer

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Looking for volunteers to become involved as Family Mentors, Grocery Shoppers and Donation Collectors. For more details visit https://www.ccsomn.org/refugee-resettlement-program/volunteering-with-the-refugee-resettlement-program/

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MINNESOTA
Currently seeking volunteers to serve as Refugee Mentors, English Language Classroom Assistants, Front Desk Assistants and in other roles. For more information visit https://iimn.org/support/volunteer/

ARRIVE MINISTRIES
Looking for volunteers to teach English to adults, provide homework help to children, teach sewing skills and more. For more information, visit https://arriveministries.org/volunteer/

In addition to these agencies, there are organizations such as Alight (the former American Refugee Committee) that help with refugee resettlement. One group, with ties to Trinity, has raised $20,000, secured housing and is awaiting the arrival of their family from Ukraine. For more information contact Karen Hannah or visit https://wearealight.org/volunteer-internship-opportunities/