Written by Garrett Gibbons
Kirsten helped her friend Ellin organize a small Thanksgiving dinner for the 40 Syrian refugees who they meet with on a regular basis.
“It’s great to do something a little bigger than myself.”
She made a little post on Facebook, asking if anyone wanted to donate food, and it lead to a huge response. More than 25 people donated cash, raising over $1000 for this event; more than 50 people donated food and drinks, and a few dozen more came and helped prepare and serve the food. Seeing that the event was growing, Impact Hub donated their large and beautiful space in downtown Seattle to fit all of the people involved.
Kirsten is overwhelmed at the outpouring of goodness from so many people, and is thankful for the people who were once strangers to these refugees who came to meet them and share a meal together.
When the meal was over, the remaining food was donated to the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter across the street, who estimated that it would provide for 1500 meals over the coming days. Truly an outpouring of generosity throughout the community!
Official Statement on the Detention of Refugees and Ongoing Community Violence
With another death in Minnesota and continued violence toward individuals and groups standing up for their communities, we acknowledge the profound fear and uncertainty people are feeling--not just locally, but across the country.
On top of this, there are reports that refugees invited and admitted to our country through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program are now being detained, meaning that our new friends and neighbors feel that fear most acutely.
Refugees have already fled violence and persecution once. They came here legally, seeking safety. In moments like these, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities where refugees and immigrants can live without fear. Where they can go to work, send their children to school, and build lives of dignity and belonging.
We call for due process, accountability, and humanity in all immigration enforcement operations. We call upon our leaders to demand the demilitarization of our neighborhoods and cities. And we call on all of us to continue the work of welcoming and protecting those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.