We’re sharing some ways that you can support local organizations that work with refugees and immigrants in our region.
Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS)
JFCS is one of the two refugee resettlement agencies in Pittsburgh. Through our national partner, HIAS, we help newly arriving refugees get acquainted with their Pittsburgh home. After HIAS confirms the arrival of new refugees, our caseworkers must find housing and furnish it prior to the refugees’ arrival. Help our newest neighbors feel welcome by purchasing much-needed home goods for an arriving family! http://jfcspgh.org/helprefugees
AJAPO
AJAPO has been working with refugees since 2001 and is an official resettlement agency since 2013. In coordination with our national partner ECDC, we provide a continuum of care which empowers refugees and immigrants residing in the Greater Pittsburgh communities and Allegheny County to become self-sufficient and better integrated into our communities. As resettlement numbers continue to grow AJAPO seeks to expand into Community Sponsorship to assist new families in the resettlement process. If your organization, business, or religious institution is interested in partnering with AJAPO to welcome and support refugees and immigrants, please contact Matthew Hess (412-908-2344, [email protected]).
Literacy Pittsburgh
Literacy Pittsburgh is proud to support World Refugee Pittsburgh 2021 and loves working with community partners to make this event special each year. Literacy Pittsburgh supports the immigrant and refugee community by providing free English and High School Equivalency classes, career and post-secondary education support services, and more. Here, Program Coordinator Laurel takes a photo as her student Manyang and family, as well as tutor Marge, celebrate his recent achievement of passing the GED after nine years of study! You can help create better lives through learning, make a gift today at https://bit.ly/3eYgbdU
South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM)
South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) is a non-profit organization serving families and individuals meet their basic needs and build self sufficiency. SHIM works with many refugee and immigrant families in the South Hills area. Support SHIM’s work by hosting a drive to help our refugee and immigrant neighbors. We have a refugee-friendly food donation list here: https://shimcares.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SHIM-refugee-items-2021.1.pdf
Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of recently resettled refugee and immigrant families. Our work is rooted in the values of a refugee-first mindset, cross-cultural sensitivity, dignified storytelling, cultivating community, and inclusive support. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched the Refugee Assistance Fund, which provides direct cash assistance to refugees and immigrants in need. We also launched our Direct Response Distributions to supply families with critical materials and resources during the pandemic. Our core programming falls under our Family Services team, which includes our Family Mentorship, Smart Start, and Study Buddy programs. www.helloneighbor.io
American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania
American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania works throughout our region to help families and individuals through disasters and other difficult circumstances, including helping to reunite families. Armed conflict, international disasters and migration leave millions of people around the globe in urgent need of humanitarian assistance every year. As the world’s largest humanitarian network, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams help reconnect families separated by international crises. See how Red Cross can help you reunite with lost family overseas and contact the local office today to get help: 717-287-9441 or [email protected]