Eliot IJT Provides Support for an Asylum-Seeking Family

With nothing but the equivalent of $100, the clothes on their backs, and a few crucial documents, they began their courageous journey. The baby was 6 weeks old at the time, the toddler had recently turned two, and the oldest was 7. 

With nothing but the equivalent of $100, the clothes on their backs, and a few crucial documents, they began their courageous journey. The baby was 6 weeks old at the time, the toddler had recently turned two, and the oldest was 7. 

When the father found the opportunity to start sharing some of his story at this event, and the seven-year-old chimed in about her experiences, it was clear to us that they were candidates for our support.

The family had completed the paperwork for asylum, which granted them temporary legal status, but did not provide for a social security number nor work authorization.  And yet, they needed a source of revenue in order to be able to leave the shelter and secure housing, have a way to travel about the city, and of course, food.

The shelter had already linked them to healthcare services, with appointments scheduled for three months later.  They were also connected to WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), which is a public benefit, but because the shelter does not allow outside food, they were unable to use the benefits. They also had enrolled the seven-year-old in school, and due to the McKinney Vento Act, she was being transported by taxi.

We linked them to Nurses for Newborns for in-home services to the infant and his family.  We accompanied them to a Pro Se Asylum Clinic provided by IFCLA and the MICA Project, where their documents for the second step of the asylum process were reviewed by an immigration attorney and corrections were provided. We took the family to a Nicaraguan restaurant and bought a special bakery cake to celebrate the seven-year-old’s birthday.  It was the first time they had ever celebrated her birthday.

This family is monolingual Spanish speaking and was totally isolated.

This family is monolingual Spanish speaking and was totally isolated. They needed opportunities for socialization.  They needed relationships.  And, of course, they needed an income, housing, and everything imagined to create a home.

Through our partnership with IFCLA (Interfaith Committee on Latin America), we were able to connect with their self-organized program called Migrantes Unidos (United Migrants), and network until we found temporary cash-based employment for the dad.  Those same people connected us to a realtor with a social justice mindset, who then helped us find an apartment that would not require a co-signer, credit check, nor proof of income.  It is next to a miracle that she identified a large one-bedroom apartment within walking distance of the daughter’s school, Cherokee Street for the Latino grocery stores, and an Aldi. A huge bargain at $625 a month, the previous tenant had caused a grease fire in the kitchen, and so the walls and ceilings were full of smoke.  The place was filthy, and the maintenance was lacking.

The Immigration Justice Team jumped in headfirst.  We enlisted additional family members to help. We cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned some more. 

And then we painted.

The Immigration Justice Team jumped in headfirst.  We enlisted additional family members to help. We cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned some more.  And then we painted.  We installed battery powered lights in closets, replaced drip pans for the stove, replaced blinds, added shelves to closets, and more.  We then created a spread sheet of the furniture and household items needed.  Our team came through with flying colors.  Reverend Krista contributed some of her discretionary funds to help cover expenses. Nurses for Newborns provided furnishings and basic items such as formula and diapers for the baby and toddler, as well as a portable washing machine that fit perfectly at the end of the counter next to the sink in the kitchen. 

The family moved into their old but clean and freshened-up apartment on April 9, 2024.  It took all day and many hands. We made a trip to Aldi to orient mom to packaging and the available items for stocking their pantry and freezer. Furniture was delivered, supplies provided, and we checked them out of the shelter.  They brought some hygiene items, clothing, a stroller, a box of canned goods, and a few toys with them. We visited the school to arrange bus transportation for the oldest.

At this time, a few more incidentals are needed.  We are still gathering some donations that lacked transportation. They discovered that a bag of clothing was left behind or misplaced, so Amazon provided a quick delivery of children’s underwear and socks. We have additional referrals to Parents as Teachers and Head Start pending. We will follow up on relational support services through LifeWise (a social service organization that supports immigrant families), finalize step two of the asylum application, and continue to support the family according to the identified needs. 

We are changing the trajectory of these children’s lives, and the parents that care for them will be significantly less stressed. (We all know how important that is for effective parenting.) Most importantly, they are safe, and they are not alone.