Supporting Venezuelan Newcomers

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has led to a significant influx of Venezuelan migrants to Denver, nearly 40,000 in the past year alone, many arriving within the last three months. Denver, like other cities, was unprepared for the sheer volume of migrants. Individuals and families, often bussed up from Texas, arrive here unaware of the new wave of challenges that await them. The high in Denver today was 3 degrees...

For many months, the city of Denver has been sheltering 300+ migrants at a hotel near my home. My awesome neighborhood has rallied amazingly to support these newcomers as they find their footing and adapt to life in Colorado. The most common request I hear from the migrants is for work, but most lack the necessary paperwork.

My family has been lucky to form close bonds with several Venezuelan families, and this GoFundMe is in part for them. Since early December 2023, I’ve been volunteering 5 hours each week to sort and organize generous clothing donations for migrants. Each week I bring 1-4 migrant friends with me to volunteer alongside me. I provide them with a $20/hr stipend using donated funds as a token of appreciation for their assistance.

We get tons accomplished, and at the end of each shift, these lovely, hardworking people go home with money in their pockets, warm clothes for their families, and new friendships forged with fellow volunteers.

This GoFundMe campaign is all about helping newcomers move closer to financial independence, foster connections, and build community. I am prepared to volunteer and coordinate volunteer opportunities for Venezuelans indefinitely. Whether you can spare $5 or $500, every penny of your donation (minus GoFundMe fees) will directly benefit these families.

If you'd like to donate, but prefer a more traditional route/tax-deductible option, please consider connecting with the Rose Family Foundation Newcomers Fund or with an established organization that supports migrants in your area.

Thank you!

Emily