Monthly Update

Hello Laura,



Last month, we at HNB finally saw a marked slowdown of setups - only 16, compared to an average of 23 for the previous three post-Trump months. This is actually more than what we expected, as SIVs are one of the few groups of newcomers still allowed in the country (see more on that below), and are still coming at a fairly steady pace.

Additionally, as planned, we focused more of our energies to our Newcomers to Neighbors Mentoring program last month. So far, our two PG County Afghan and Latino cohorts have attended seminars on English Language Services & School Outreach and Employment Assistance (last night!), and gone on outings to the library and the National Zoo. It is really wonderful to see the relationships between the volunteers and families develop, and also see the newcomers get comfortable asking questions and communicating in English. And we still have two months to go!

Last month HNB also hosted our Night of Thanks! It was such a fun and wonderful event and thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate your dedication and all you have done for HNB. And if you want to learn more about the Chef Saaid who cooked the amazing kebabs, check out this article about his journey in The National.

We have a long and unpredictable year ahead with the new administration, so I am so happy to have all of your support!

In Solidarity,

Laura Thompson Osuri

Executive Director

MAY IMPACT

65

individuals helped with household goods & furniture

16

set-ups completed

17

families supported with case work and mentoring

$32,812

in household goods and furnishings passed along to refugees

644

volunteer hours

$2,521

in money to refugees (Moving Up Fund & Artisans earning)

REFUGEE & SIV UPDATE

This week, Trump's travel ban went into effect - more bad news for our new neighbors and the country in general.

The travel ban has been teased for some time, so it is strangely sort of a relief to see it finally hit and at least see that Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Holders are indeed exempt and that it does not actually bar normal refugees. The list of other exceptions to the Travel Ban and more details can be found on the IRAP Travel Ban Explainer. Though, with the refugee program still on hold - and still no report from the administration - no refugees are coming anyway (except for the 160 who were scheduled to travel the week after January 20th, per court order). And we are also happy to report that new Special Immigrant Visas are finally being issued (we just heard from a brand new arrival with a visa dated May 30th!), so we expect the stream of SIVs to continue.

What does this all mean for HNB? Well, this means we will continue to assist newly arrived SIVs who are coming here on their own, meaning a steady stream of set ups for the foreseeable future. We will also continue to help with finding housing and helping with basic casework and job assistance as well. I have talked with many of my colleagues in other parts of the U.S. and it seems besides Northern California and Houston, the D.C. area is definitely seeing the bulk of SIV arrivals.

HNB NEWS

Beds Still Needed

Thanks to everyone who bought beds for Homes Not Borders! But we still have few left to buy!

Homes Not Borders has been covering the cost of the beds for these newcomers, and it's starting to add up! It costs about $500 for frames and mattresses for a family of four. Thanks to all those that have contributed money and beds, but if you have not yet done so, please shop our Bed Wishlist today! We are looking to buy enough beds for 20 families, which will keep HNB stocked until the mid-July.

World Refugee Day Virtual Forum

With an ever-changing landscape and so much going on as we approach World Refugee Day, Homes Not Borders is partnering with React DC to host a virtual forum to explain the state of things and answer any questions.

When: Friday, June 20th (WRD), 4 PM

Where: Zoom

Who: Laura Thompson Osuri, Executive Director of HNB & Sarah Cady, Executive Director of ReactDC

What: Learn more about the state of the refugee program and SIVs and what it means for the future.

REGISTER HERE today!

3610 East Street, Landover, MD 20785

info@homesnotborders.org • www.homesnotborders.org