Dear John,
I hope this message finds you safe and healthy. This is an incredibly challenging time for everyone living in America, including those who are newly arrived.
Not only are refugees facing the realities of the pandemic and its economic fallout, but many are also navigating an unfamiliar culture marked by institutional racism. These hardships only add to the daunting challenges involved in building a new life in the United States.
Since the pandemic hit, many refugees are struggling to make their own way without the usual in-person support HIAS and other resettlement agencies are able to provide in normal times. Those who were just starting to get their footing have suffered sweeping layoffs along with so many in our communities. Even worse, refugees are extremely unlikely to find employment in the coming months – even though many already don’t have the means to afford food and rent after leaving everything behind.
At HIAS, we’re working tirelessly to make sure these new residents have the resources they need to stay safe and support their families during the pandemic. These days, a significant portion of our work is providing cash for the most basic necessities – food and shelter. We understand these are difficult times, but if you’re able to help, it would make a world of a difference for the refugees who have just begun their new lives in our country.
HIAS is as determined as ever to support refugees during this difficult time. We’re working around the clock to offer emergency cash-based assistance to help refugees access food and health supplies. We’re also providing remote services – such as legal aid, counseling and other vital assistance – and we’re reaching out to refugees to make sure they know how to find us.
HIAS will not back down from our critical mission to welcome the stranger and protect the refugee. That’s why I’m asking for your help today in supporting this crucial work:
Thank you for thinking of others during this difficult time.
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