How to Get Involved!

There are many ways that you, your church or community group can assist refugees. You can:

• Donate material items such as beds, furniture, house hold items

• Provide transportation, English tutoring, and cultural orientation

• Make a financial donation to our Emergency Housing Fund, which is used to secure affordable housing for families in need

For larger groups seeking a deeper level of involvement, we encourage you to consider co-sponsoring a refugee family and taking care of their needs for a set period of time; a commitment that typically last for approximately four months. Co-sponsorship duties include:

• Providing financial support for housing

• Selecting and establishing the essentials for the family’s new home

It is important to emphasize that co-sponsorship is NOT an indefinite commitment. Congregations agree to provide financial support and other forms of assistance for a specific amount of time (generally four months). Since the ultimate goal for all new arrivals is self-sufficiency and successful integration into the community, co-sponsorship must encourage a transition towards independence as quickly as possible. After all, once refugee families become our friends and fellow contributing members of our community, everyone benefits.

Please contact Janet Panning, Program Director, 215-747-7500, ext. 209  for more information and about how you can get involved.