The Future for HI Refugee Resettlement Committee

All are welcome to join current members of the Holy Infant Refugee Resettlement Team as we discern the next steps for Holy Infant. On Wednesday, May 22nd, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Office Living Room, the Volunteer Coordinator from one of the relief agencies in Durham will join us.

There’s a family of nine people who are refugees from the Congo who are now settled in their home in East Durham thanks to the support of the people of Holy Infant. The church’s Refugee Resettlement team has finished with the formal part of our support. We are being encouraged by Church World Service (CWS) to let the family take their next steps with the support of friends and others they have met in the community. They will continue to be eligible for several government programs, and CWS can still provide them with resources.

This is a bittersweet moment for the team. Although the work was challenging, we had many successes and fond memories of everyone in the family. Trips to the grocery store, bank, thrift shop and school functions were all a success. The younger children made huge developmental strides; other family members mastered the school bus schedule, and all adults are employed. The language barrier was significant, but we found a way, including hosting them for Thanksgiving dinner at the church.

Thanks to the parish, this family moved into a fully furnished house with TV and internet. The church also paid for their rent and utilities for six months. Partnerships with Neighbor to Neighbor and the church garden group made the process extra special for the team and the family.

The Refugee Resettlement team will be meeting in the months ahead to consider our next project. There are many ways we can support these efforts in our community that are not as involved as total family sponsorship. This is the ideal time for us to welcome new members to the team. We’ve learned a lot and are eager for others to have the same opportunity. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Lynn Sale.