Due to horrific levels of violence and persecution ongoing in the Northern Triangle of Central America, the State of Arizona is facing a rapidly evolving humanitarian challenge. Thousands of asylum seeking families are being released by immigration authorities and expected to find their way to reunite with sponsors, often with no money, place to sleep, nor a way of contacting their families.
Building on herculean efforts by churches and community groups to host these families over the years, a collaborative community shelter operation is needed. As temperatures rise rapidly, opening a facility the soonest possible could be a matter of life and death for some of these families who may be left on the streets, many of them already suffering from their arduous journey and situations they’ve experienced while in detention.
The IRC has committed to providing such a space for the community! But, we need your help. We are investing $75,000 in renovations of a space, along with additional investments for staffing and start-up expenses. However, we need $75,000 in matching funds to ensure these renovations meet local code requirements.
If we were able to make this funding commitment this week we could be hosting families in the shelter space by the first week of July. Any costs above and beyond the cost of shelter rennovations will be used to sustain shelter operations and restricted to the asylum seeking family program.
Can we count on you to make this community space a reality?
If you would rather send your donation via check, please make it out to "International Rescue Committee" and add "ASF Shelter" to the MEMO line. You can mail your check to:
International Rescue Committee
Attn: Nicky Walker
4425 W. Olive Ave. #400
Glendale, AZ 85302
