Resources by librarians – for everyone
Provides free support to those seeking asylum in the U.S. and Canada. Services include housing, food, clothing, legal aid, medical care, mental health care, English as a Second Language classes, education, job training, recreation, transportation, and offsite housing after asylum is gained. Located in Detroit, MI; hours and contact information available on website.
https://www.freedomhousedetroit.org/index.php/services
Direct link to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Michigan listing of refugee service agencies. Includes addresses and telephone numbers.
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/resource/state-of-michigan-programs-and-services-by-locality
The mission of the Refugee Resettlement Program is to help refugees and their families obtain employment, economic self-sufficiency and social integration within the shortest possible time after their arrival into Pennsylvania. The program provides a continuum of employment, educational, case management, health and financial support services to newly arrived refugees. Web pages can be translated into multiple languages.
The American Place (TAP) is a free program of Hartford Public Library designed to welcome immigrants and ease their transition into their new home city. TAP promotes Hartford’s shared civic values and its vibrant cultural multiplicity. TAP offers legal advice and representation by BIA-accredited representatives, free English and citizenship classes, and volunteer cultural navigators in addition to print materials and links to information about citizenship.
http://www.hplct.org/library-services/immigration-citizenship
Catholic Charities of Oregon provides Refugee Resettlement services in the Portland area, including assistance with basic needs, school enrollment and referrals to other service providers, and community orientation.
The Somali Association of Arizona provides educational and community resources to help the Somali community to integrate into American society. Services include English classes, cultural orientation, housing, assistance, home furnishings, immigration services, health and wellness, women’s and children’s services, youth services, employment services, and tutoring.
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) is a statewide immigrant and refugee advocacy group that hold citizenship and rights awareness workshops. TIRRC works in local communities to provide integration services for immigrants as well as outreach to community members to build support for new immigrant communities. Citizenship workshops provide practical assistance to eligible individuals. TIRRC also offers programs that promote civic engagement for new citizens. The Coalition also provides a forum to report rights abuses, register vote, and submit Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applications.
Muslims, undocumented immigrants, and others who face potential violence while commuting or traveling alone can request a companion from The Accompany Project, which trains New Yorkers “to disrupt violence – particularly against Arab, Muslim and undocumented residents – and to organize for stronger, safer neighborhoods.” Those wishing to request that someone commute or travel with them can contact the Arab American Association of New York (hours, address, and contact information available on website), which to date has more than 8,000 volunteers for the project. The Accompany Project is also soliciting volunteers to assist with bystander training and organizing sessions around the city.
The goal of Virginia’s Refugee Resettlement Program is to help refugees and their families gain economic self-sufficiency and social integration into their communities. Website details benefits and social services available around the state of Virginia.
Provides transitional housing, companionship and community to asylum seekers by offering a safe and nurturing home and opportunities to connect with the larger community and each other. Programs include assisting with securing transitional housing, Employment and Education Program (with ESL, Resume Writing, Online Application Assistance, Interviewing Skills, and Basic Driver Education), Hospitality Hours, and referrals for legal, medical, and mental health services.
Days and times for Hospitality Hours and Employment and Education Program sessions are available on the website. Registration is required.