Ways YOU(!) can help our
Asylum-Seeking Neighbors
We can all(!) help provide support to help treat our new neighbors with the compassion they deserve. No matter where you are, your help would be appreciated.
Orange County NY efforts: SCROLL to see what needs to get done in and around Newburgh, then contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Dutchess County efforts: if you'd like to help out in Dutchess County, please visit
DutchessWelcoming.com
Orange County NY efforts: SCROLL to see what needs to get done in and around Newburgh, then contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Dutchess County efforts: if you'd like to help out in Dutchess County, please visit
DutchessWelcoming.com
1. Collect donations from your community
Pick up donations in and around your area, ask people to drop donations off at your home or business, and/or drive donations from your town to where they are needed.
IDEAL FOR:
IDEAL FOR:
- Folks with vehicles to transport goods to drop-off locations across the region
- Folks with access to space to accept donations
2. Compile & distribute donations on-site
Work alongside other volunteers as we sort, compile, and distribute the donations we’ve received as needed on-site at the hotels to our new neighbors.
IDEAL FOR:
IDEAL FOR:
- Folks who like to sort, organize things, & can work in groups
- Folks with access to transportation to the hotel sites
3. Help shop for supplies
Be someone who receives lists of needs from those on the ground at the hotels and then go shopping for the needed supplies.
IDEAL FOR:
IDEAL FOR:
- Folks who have a vehicle
- Folks who can receive a list of what's needed and stick to it
4. Donate funds directly via a gift card for supplies
We are looking for gift to used to purchase things like clothing & self care items for our new neighbors.
5. Assist with translation during case work
Folks who are fluent speakers of Spanish, French, Arabic, or another language are needed to ask questions to help move case work forward.
IDEAL FOR:
IDEAL FOR:
- Folks who speak Spanish, French, Arabic, or any other language
- No social work experience required (but is a plus!)
6. Provide or coordinate local transportation
Help our new neighbors with getting where they need to go (i.e. to church or an appointment) or help coordinate reliable rides for them.
IDEAL FOR:
IDEAL FOR:
- Folks who have a vehicle and feel comfortable giving rides
- Folks who like to coordinate and can communicate well
7. Provide services on-site to our neighbors
Bring your expertise to the table and join us as volunteer on-site to provide on-site recreational or self care services for our new neighbors.
IDEAL FOR:
IDEAL FOR:
- Folks who offer things such as: yoga or body work, haircuts, catered meals, creative activities. Other services are welcomed.
Asylum seekers are legal & deserve care. Seeking asylum is a human right. We keep us safe.
Please note that all volunteers are expected to prioritize the well-being of our new neighbors, all of whom are legally seeking asylum. Xenophobia, harassment, and hatred will not be tolerated.
Celebrate845 is not leading this initiative by any means. At all. Full stop. We are simply community members who were called in and are helping take care of our fellow human beings, using our platform to assist with the ever-evolving process. All people have the power to tap in and take care of one another. We are grateful to have been called into this work by folks we are in community with across the region (the 845 is alive!) and appreciate the efforts of all people who are stepping up. We are also learning live as we go along and will likely mess up along the way, so we are very open to feedback. This page has been informed by so many people of all ages and backgrounds- many of whom are impacted by systems of harm themselves, work full time, etc- and we are wildly grateful to be connected to so many thoughtful, caring, generous, and loving folks.
