New Homes and New Hope

How Welcome Changes Us All

In the fall of 2021, as the government of Afghanistan collapsed and families were rapidly evacuated, Week of Compassion reaffirmed refugee response as an ongoing priority and employed increased resources, including the Afghan Welcome congregational grants, to support local churches. Dozens of congregations, across multiple regions of the Disciples church, have helped Afghan families to establish a new life in an entirely new place under deeply stressful circumstances. Out of the desperation and disconnect of this crisis, opportunity and community have somehow thrived. 

There are countless incredible stories that we could share (and we will continue to do so!), but just a few recent conversations reveal the unfolding and ongoing care for new neighbors in our communities:

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With the news that hundreds of families would be arriving in Bowling Green, Kentucky, First Christian Church got to work. Thanks to their connection to the International Center, and a community partnership with the Islamic Center, 
Everything really just fell into place. … Our plan was to support one family through the 3 month process by providing rent, furnishings, food, and any other necessary items. But, instead we became a community partner on call whenever needs arose. FCC also has a supplemental community grocery store ... We made sure to offer foods they would want and need. - Rev. Kyle McDougall, Associate Minister

Once a house is secured, it still needs absolutely everything to turn it into a home. Heart of the Rockies Christian Church in Fort Collins, Colorado, connected with their friends at Plymouth Congregational UCC to co-sponsor a family.
Our first task was to furnish the apartment, and helped by the generosity of a local Realtor, we quickly gathered all the furniture and household items (including bicycles, freezer, washer/dryer, etc) … We are also helping the family with financial literacy, paying bills, and budgeting, and enjoy introducing them to the many amenities Fort Collins has to offer, including libraries, museums and parks. - Sue Anderson, Outreach team

So much of a daily routine could be taken for granted, but as families resettle, every single step requires assistance. St Andrew Christian Church in Olathe, Kansas, has made themselves available.
After helping get through all the logistics of legal paperwork, healthcare, and identification cards, we were able to purchase a used car with the Week of Compassion grant to give them the ability to get to work, run errands, and get around town without needing rides. … The kids love being in [kindergarten and preschool]. Moving to a new country is very difficult with language and culture differences, but hospitality helps this transition go much smoother. - Dr. Chris Wilson, Senior Minister

Sometimes, new families are able to find considerable support, but then an unexpected need arises or a resource runs out. First Christian Church of Falls Church, Virginia, knew they could help.
These families became connected to us because they had heard that churches will help them. … For some the welcome assistance provided by the government had ended so we were able to assist with rent. Another family had a delay in receiving SNAP benefits, and we were able to fill the gap with a grocery gift card. The third family arrived in need of household goods. In partnership with a neighboring Islamic Center, we provided furniture and gift cards for the family to begin their new life in the US. - Rev. Steve Moore, Senior Minister

And as South Elkhorn Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, reminds us, when the faithful of God are about this sacred work, dreams are envisioned, and what happens is even more than we can imagine. After surpassing their own fundraising goals to purchase a vehicle for the family they were working with, the church committed to doing more.
We have been able to use the Week of Compassion grant we received to assist this family longer than anticipated. We are now looking at establishing an ongoing refugee program through our Outreach Committee. - Barb Ellerbrook, Chair, Outreach Committee

As current events suggest a coming wave of Ukrainian refugees, we know that there are already many thousands from many nations currently awaiting resettlement in the U.S. For information on congregational options—getting involved now, connecting with your local resettlement office, preparing for future needs, reconnecting previously experienced churches, and even networking with other congregations to do this work together—contact Alan Dicken, Week of Compassion’s Associate Director for Refugee and Immigrant Response. You can also support the ongoing international emergency response, and refugee response needs, by giving to Week of Compassion.