Response to the Immigration Crisis
Visitation Program: In person visits are no longer allowed. Instead, AIDNW volunteers support immigrants in detention through cards and letters. Art supplies are provided in bulk for distribution within the detention center. Telephone communications credit is given to detainees through collaboration with the Northwest Immigrants’ Rights Project (NWIRP).
Welcome Center: The RV parked outside the NW ICE Processing Center has been augmented by a heated tent to encourage “6-foot separation” while assisting released immigrants. Personal protective equipment is available for both volunteers and released immigrants. Clothing, backpacks, and snacks are offered as well as telephone access for contacting family and friends. Those immigrants who must remain in the area awaiting transportation to their final destination are offered housing in area hotels paid by AIDNW with a modest meal allowance.
As necessary, AIDNW volunteers are available to provide local transportation.
- In 2019 AIDNW welcomed and assisted 1,327 immigrants from 69 countries.
- The total for 2020 was 469 immigrants from 30 countries (largest numbers from Mexico, Cuba, Cameroon, India).
Hospitality House Program: After the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Hospitality House was essentially except for the office and the AIDNW Host Coordinator. The AIDNW Board recently expanded the opportunity for longer-term immigrants to reside in the Hospitality House, based on a negative Covid-19 test. The house currently has three (3) such residents. By comparison, in September 2019 AIDNW hosted 21 residents of varying lengths of stay.
We are fortunate in being able to recruit new volunteers able to fill-in for those among the 200 active volunteers who are unable to participate in the person-to-person activities because of Covid-19.
The health of our most valuable asset–the AIDNW volunteers and staff–is of utmost importance. To the extent possible AIDNW has implemented measures to ensure the safety of all. The immigration courts continue to operate. The need for the services provided by the AIDNW is still present.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Secure training to become a visitor of detainees at the Northwest Detention Center
- Help support Advocates for Immigrants in Detention (AIDNW)
- Join the on-going work with youth and other St. Leo parishioners in showing support for Immigrants in detention at the detention center site
- Promote advocacy to immigrant rights
- Help keep immigrant rights issues present in out prayer life in the parish
The Social Justice Commission and the Parish is committed to form a sustained and coordinated effort to aid our Sisters and Brothers impacted by immigrant injustice.
Resources
Three helpful websites for prayer and advocacy: