Virginia

Serving Refugees At Home

At home there are also organisations and individuals who are sharing life with the vulnerable people in their communities. For example ReEstablish Richmond (ReR) is a non-profit that helps “refugees establish roots, build community, and become self-sufficient”. Supporting this kind of work is an effective way for a church to make a Kingdom difference in its community. It has been an effective way to make a Kingdom difference where they live.

At least eleven cities in Virginia are designated areas of resettlement for refugees and asylees, so we have ample opportunity to put “loving our neighbor” into action close to home, as well as elsewhere in the U.S. We have related especially to (ReR) since the beginning of focus:refugees, so that we would have an easily accessible, practical, and effective way to respond at home. Organizations such as Church World Services and International Rescue Committee are official government partners in the resettlement process, but the duration of their assistance is limited to just a couple months. Non-profits like ReR step in with longer-term, more customized local support for our new neighbors who might need language training, assistance with the job search and pursuit of a driving license, and intercultural mentoring. While not a faith-based non-profit, ReR’s goals and philosophy align appropriately for volunteers who want to put God’s love into action and help their new neighbors.