Care for Immigrants and refugees

The sobering reality of global displacement:

  • At the end of 2020, 82.4 million were forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations.

  • More than two thirds of all refugees displaced abroad came from just five countries: Syria (6.7M), Venezuela (4M), Afghanistan (2.6M), South Sudan (2.2M), Myanmar (1.1M) 

  • Children account for 30% of the world's population, but 42% of all forcibly displaced people

  • 85,000 Refugees will come to America this year (less than 0.5% of the world’s refugees)

According to a recent poll by LifeWay research, only 12% of American Christians said their perspective on the global refugee crisis was based on what the Bible has to say. Regardless of our political orientation, the scriptures clearly call us to love and care for the needs of refugees. As one theologian Orlando Espin makes clear, “Welcoming the stranger…is the most often repeated commandment in the Hebrew scriptures, with the exception of the imperative to worship only the one God.” Over the last decade, local churches, nonprofits, and resettlement agencies have banded together to receive and care for the needs of refugee families in our community.

Refugee Care Collective
Refugee Care Collective is a nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing local churches and communities to serve diverse populations of refugees being resettled in the Portland Metro area. Through restart kits, relational programs, and direct partnership with resettlement agencies, Refugee Care Collective plays an active role in helping refugee families to rebuild their lives and step more fully into self-sustainability.

Pajoma House International
Pamoja house exists to bring lasting hope to refugees and immigrants in SW Portland through offering English classes, cultivating friendships, and meeting the basic needs of families who arrive in our community.

Friends of Refugees

PDX Friends of Refugees exists to manifest the love, light, and life of Christ to refugees near and far. This grass-roots organization partners with local churches, organizations, and individuals to help refugees successfully rebuild their lives here. PDX Friends of Refugees walks through life with these new friends to help them not just survive, but thrive.

Immigrant Connection PDX

Immigrant Connection PDX is a church-based, low-cost, immigration legal services office located in east Portland that provides legal assistance to individuals who are seeking assistance with issues relating to immigration, such as Family and Marriage Based Petitions, Naturalization Petitions, Legal Permanent Resident and Employment Authorization renewals, Adjustment of Status, Consular Processing, DACA, TPS, Non-Immigrant Visas, and Religious Worker Visas.

Lutheran Community Services NW

LCSNW partners with the State of Oregon to supplement the 90 days of R&P and provide support for up to 8 months after refugees arrive. Services include:

  • Cash assistance for up to eight months after arrival

  • Case management services such as: obtaining a Social Security card and Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) identification; opening a bank account; paying rent and utility bills, enrolling children in school and referring them for a health screening, and assistance with other emergent needs.

  • Orientation sessions that address budgeting, housing, healthcare and family law in the United States.

  • Employment and English as a Second Language services

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities provides culturally aware and responsive case management services to assist refugees as they rebuild their lives.

Newly arriving refugees are greeted at the airport and begin working with staff to meet their essential needs, including safe and affordable housing, furnishings, food, and clothing to take the steps on their path to rebuilding their lives. Case managers also coordinate referrals to other service providers, community organizations, and schools.

Catholic Charities ensures that refugees are properly resettled and connected to available services and support in Oregon, including health care, job training, English language instruction, and other public benefits for which refugees are eligible. Case managers provide psycho-social support as clients work through the cultural adjustment to the United States, process often traumatic life experiences, and prepare for their new futures in Oregon.