Who are refugees?
"Refugees are among the world's most desperate homeless people. Many have faced horrors unimaginable to those of us blessed with freedom. They are individuals and families who have fled their countries of origin because of a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.''
We are looking for volunteers who have a desire to help refugee families and individuals become acclimatized to our culture. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about cultures vastly different from their own while building relationships with the refugee families or individuals. There are many ways to become involved. In addition to individual volunteer opportunities listed here, we will also be looking for a team of volunteers to assist one family in all of the ways listed.
Cultural Orientation
Volunteers will assist refugees in learning about our culture. For example, orienting refugees to our banking system, grocery shopping, how to use mass transit, etc.
Apartment Set-Up
Volunteers can help our resource coordinator in setting up an apartment for a new refugee individual or family.
Teaching English as a Second Language
Volunteers will tutor refugee adults and/or children in reading, writing, and speaking the English language depending on what skills are needed.
Transportation
Refugees have many appointments especially within the first few weeks after they arrive in Portland. Volunteers will assist our case managers by taking them to and from their appointments.
For more information, contact Dacia Hawkins -