Help us sponsor an LGBTQ refugee

Can you help us?

We are TEAM Refugee 25 NYC

We are raising $10,000 to support one LBGTQ+ refugee for three months, to pay expenses for housing, food, clothing, transportation, and other necessities.

Why do LBGTQ people in Africa and elsewhere need to be granted refugee status and allowed to enter the US?

The horrific treatment of LBGTQ individuals in many parts of the world has been a problem for years. Threats, discrimination, imprisoning, violation of human rights, denial of health care, and potential death continue to occur.

After escaping their own countries and usually living for years in a refugee camp, individuals are intensely vetted, beginning with registration with the United Nations refugee agency (UNHR), which identifies the families most in need. The refugee is further screened by the U.S. Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security Refugee Corps. A few are granted legal status as a “refugee,’ one of only a tiny percentage who will eventually be admitted to a receiving country. They will enter the US with almost nothing material but will be able to get a Social Security card, register for social service benefits and be authorized to work.

How does this sponsorship of a refugee work?

With your help, in cooperation with Welcome Corps and Refuge America we will function as a volunteer resettlement group for a refugee, and financially support them for three months, assist with housing, furnishings, orienting them to community transportation and shopping, helping them enroll in Social Security and in all benefits for which they are eligible, including Refugee Health/Medicaid, assist them to find and take English language classes, assist them in finding employment, and mentor them as needs arise as identified by the refugee.

Who will be the main sponsors and what is their commitment?

We have a core team of 5 people in NYC who will take on the bulk of responsibility in sponsoring this refugee, along with half a dozen others who will assist us in discrete tasks. Our group includes dedicated educational specialists, former resettlement coordinators, licensed social workers, LBGTQA advocates, and others committed to and previously involved in working with refugees. In coordination with Refuge America (https://www.refugeamerica.org/) and the U.S. State Department Welcome Corps, we will be sponsoring this refuge for a period of at least 3 months.

What do we need you to do?

We need you to contribute so we can raise funds to support one LBGTQ+ African refugee for three months, to pay expenses for housing, food, clothing, transportation, and other necessities. We need approximately $10,000.

Can you help us, please?

Thank you.