As Congress continues to pass legislation to offer relief to communities suffering due to COVID-19, many resettled refugees have been unable to access many of the benefits. Take part in RCUSA member Church World Service’s call to action and ask that your members of Congress include refugees in their next COVID-19 relief package.
Get involved in, or start a mutual aid network. What is mutual aid? The long and short — people helping one another. Mutual aid is the understanding that people and communities are able to thrive when working cooperatively and in support of each other. Mutual aid is different from charity or from the services and care provided by nonprofits or the government because it is from the community, for the community, and prioritizes those who are most vulnerable.
Visit this quick background resource to see how you can mobilize your communities in support of mutual aid.
RCUSA member Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service released a toolkit “Hope Can’t Be Quarantined” in support of immigrants who remain in detention during this global public health crisis. Detention centers across the country have cut visitation in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visitation has been a strong source of hope for those being held in detention, between seeing loved ones and their attorneys advocating for their safety and release.
Use LIRS’ guide to learn how you can reach out to immigrants in detention to help restore hope, learn more about immigration detention, and advocate.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during moments of crisis. RCUSA member Church World Service has released a list of “30 Ways to Care for Yourself, Others, and Immigrants During COVID-19” as a way to encourage community members to engage and motivate during the time of COVID-19. Explore their suggestions, and go beyond.