The Ark - Aid for Asylum Seekers in NYC (CBST)
Donation protected
Since May 2019, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, RUSA-LGBT, and Seeking Asylum Finding Empowerment (SAFE) have held a weekly pro-se immigration clinic called The Ark. Working primarily with LGBTQ asylum seekers, we've now supported over 400 with legal consultations and the process of applying for asylum, TPS, and employment authorization.
When COVID-19 hit NYC, we immediately transitioned our entire clinic online. We've continued working with asylum seekers and have expanded our services. The Ark has added three social work interns and two lawyers to our clinic leadership and began a list of identity-affirming religious organizations to welcome immigrant friends into spiritual communities.
One of our most important ongoing efforts is a relief fund for all friends who have come to the clinic for assistance in the asylum process. Thanks to generous support from Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, The Ark has disbursed over $36,000 to over 100 immigrant New Yorkers and their families.
Our goal is to continue to offer aid and sustain the fund to meet future needs beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund will continue to be critical to our community and our staff. Asylum seekers are not eligible for employment authorization until at least six months after they have applied for asylum and due to anti-immigrant regulations, some asylum seekers are never eligible while their application is pending. This fund is critical for meeting fundamental needs asylum seekers have while they are barred from legally working.
A donation of $100 will go to one immigrant New Yorker and $250 will benefit one family. Beneficiaries of our funds use donations to meet a variety needs including, paying for groceries, contributing to their rent, purchasing clothing for their children, receiving medical care or counseling. Multiple immigrant friends in our network need assistance with phone bills that are just $50 per month.
Contributions of any amount are so appreciated! The Ark will be accepting donations on a rolling basis, so please give what you can, when you can. Without you, we could not provide this tremendous and necessary aid.
When COVID-19 hit NYC, we immediately transitioned our entire clinic online. We've continued working with asylum seekers and have expanded our services. The Ark has added three social work interns and two lawyers to our clinic leadership and began a list of identity-affirming religious organizations to welcome immigrant friends into spiritual communities.
One of our most important ongoing efforts is a relief fund for all friends who have come to the clinic for assistance in the asylum process. Thanks to generous support from Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, The Ark has disbursed over $36,000 to over 100 immigrant New Yorkers and their families.
Our goal is to continue to offer aid and sustain the fund to meet future needs beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund will continue to be critical to our community and our staff. Asylum seekers are not eligible for employment authorization until at least six months after they have applied for asylum and due to anti-immigrant regulations, some asylum seekers are never eligible while their application is pending. This fund is critical for meeting fundamental needs asylum seekers have while they are barred from legally working.
A donation of $100 will go to one immigrant New Yorker and $250 will benefit one family. Beneficiaries of our funds use donations to meet a variety needs including, paying for groceries, contributing to their rent, purchasing clothing for their children, receiving medical care or counseling. Multiple immigrant friends in our network need assistance with phone bills that are just $50 per month.
Contributions of any amount are so appreciated! The Ark will be accepting donations on a rolling basis, so please give what you can, when you can. Without you, we could not provide this tremendous and necessary aid.
Fundraising team: The Ark (2)
Dylan Parent
Organizer
New York, NY
Sara Starr
Team member