SJC Refugee Ministry Update

As we witness the atrocities in Ukraine, we pray; we donate monies to help provide survival needs and we ask, “What more can we do?” Many ask, “Will Ukrainian refugees be coming to the U.S.?”

According to United States Agency for International Development (USAID), it is not likely at this time that large influxes of Ukrainian refugees will elect to leave Europe where they are closer to the family they have left behind. However, millions of US dollars have been appropriated for humanitarian assistance within Ukraine and to European countries caring for those who have fled the war. Likewise, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, to allow an estimated 30,000 Ukrainians who are temporarily living or studying in the U.S. to stay and work legally for 18 months. TPS does not provide a pathway to U.S. citizenship.

CAN WE DO MORE? YES, WE CAN!

Catholic Charities Refugee Services in Jacksonville has announced that they will be receiving 35 Ukrainians for resettlement. It is not yet known when they will arrive, but the agency is now collecting furniture and household items in preparation. These items can be delivered to the Providence Center (across from our SJC bookstore) at 134 E. Church St. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Arrangements to have furniture and large items picked up can be made by e-mailing Courtney Partin at [email protected].

AFGHAN RESETTLEMENT UPDATE

According to US News and World Report, the U.S. has so far admitted 73,000 Afghans all of whom will eventually move to communities around the U.S. About 40,000 are still housed at seven military bases within the U.S. as they await resettlement.

Catholic Charities in Jacksonville has announced they have nearly completed Phase I of Afghan resettlement for nearly 200 people within 50 families. Only a few families wait in local Airbnb’s until affordable housing can be found. Phase II will begin soon to resettle additional Afghan families.

Lutheran Social Services in Jacksonville expects to resettle 100 Afghans in 2022 along with an additional 275 refugees from other parts of the globe. The two agencies work together to avoid duplication in areas such as employment training and English classes.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

There are numerous opportunities to assist in the setting up of apartments periodically as refugees arrive. Additionally, for those who wish to interact directly with refugees, both agencies have opportunities. Contact Pat Ellis at [email protected] if you would like to have your name added to a list of those interested in learning more about these opportunities. All names on the list will receive notification when opportunities arise. No one on the list will be under any obligation to respond.