Support an Immigrant Family Transition to Freedom

Support Rebecca and Diego's family transition back to independence after 3 years in Sanctuary!

Under the threat of deportation back to violence in their home country, a family of 7 has been living in Sanctuary at a small synagogue in Minneapolis for the past 36 months. Due to an inhumane immigration system, the entire family has been forced to live in fear of separation for three years. During this time, more than 180 volunteers have supported the courageous family to meet their daily needs as much as possible. 

Rebecca and Diego’s* children are ages 15, 11, 8, 6 and 2 years. Their youngest child was born in Sanctuary and has never known another home. Another child with special needs is receiving wonderful resources from local schools and organizations; another reason why this family wants and deserves to remain part of the Minneapolis community. Read their story here: "Hiding in Plain Sight: How a Family Lived in Sanctuary at Shir Tikvah for 3 Years"

In June 2021, the family was granted a stay of deportation from ICE, which means they are finally free to leave Sanctuary! Rebecca and Diego are awaiting work permits, which may take months. Until they are able to legally secure employment and provide for themselves, our community is committed to ensuring their family’s smooth transition back to independence.

Please join in our efforts to support the family in securing dignified and comfortable housing, in addition to their other essential needs like food, clothing, school supplies, a car, furniture, and healthcare. Every dollar raised will directly support the family in reestablishing their lives together -- in liberation!

A note from Rebecca & Diego: “Querida familia ' estamos súper felices porque salimos de el santuario 'y a la ves extrañaremos esta hermosa casa ' gracias por todo lo que su corazón y vidas aportaron asia nuestra familia. Amamos este comunidad ' espero puedan acompañarnos en nuestra nueva casa ' y etapa de nuestra vida ' gracias . Dios los bendiga a cada una vida familia multiplique su vidas y salud por lo que hacen con nosotros.”

“Dear family, we are super happy because we are leaving sanctuary, and at the same time we will miss this beautiful house 'thank you for all that your heart and lives contributed to our family. We love this community. I hope you can join us in our new home and stage of our life. Thank you.. God bless each of your families' lives, multiplied for what you did for us.”

Thank you so much for your generous support. Every dollar makes a big impact! Please share this campaign with your friends, neighbors, family members and colleagues to help us ensure that Rebecca, Diego, and their five beautiful children are able to reenter our community in safety, love, and solidarity.

FAQ

• How will the funds get to the family? The funds raised through this GoFundMe will be dispersed directly to the family on a consistent, monthly basis for their first year outside of Sanctuary through Once Strangers, Inc. The goal amount of this campaign was set in collaboration with the family based on their projected budget and expenses and cost of living data in Minneapolis. Donations to this campaign are not tax deductible, since they are directly supporting a family. Funds will not pass through the host synagogue.
• What other supports are available to the family? With the support of the Sanctuary volunteer network, the family is pursuing other resources, services and benefit programs to support their wellbeing as they transition into independence, such as with Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES).
• What are other ways to give? If you'd like to donate outside of GoFundMe to avoid the 2.9% processing fee, you can send funds via Venmo to @funkbamy with the note "Sanctuary." If you'd like to mail a check, please contact Lucy via GoFundMe. All donations from outside GoFundMe will be reflected in the campaign total.
• Other questions? Please contact Lucy, Sanctuary Coordinator, via GoFundMe.