I have now been to two different refugee-training meetings: International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Women of the World. It helps to know the conditions and full situation these people are enduring. Interestingly, though, the IRC building is right next to the Homeless Shelter, in Salt Lake City. All these years, we’ve had opportunities to help, and sadly we have all been slow to respond.

 

This post will give you an overview of what I have learned. At the end, I will list a few suggestions for service opportunities.

The IRC was actually started in the 1930s, brainstormed by Albert Einstein who was himself a refugee. Today, Salt Lake City is 1 of 9 resettlement cities in the United States. Some people have suggested that many of these people come from countries where the gospel of Jesus Christ cannot be preached, so the Lord is bringing the people to a place where they can learn about Him. Interesting thought …

 

Refugees have been coming to this country for a very long time. Before 9/11, the United States was accepting over 120,000 displaced persons each year, on a regular basis. In fact, this country is well-known for being the melting pot of the world, and was even originally settled by refugees from England (or Jerusalem, however you want to look at it).

 

You can imagine counting people would be extremely difficult, so it is anyone’s best guess that at least 59.5 million people have been displaced (since anyone started to count), as of the end of 2014. It’s revealing to know that in 2013, that number was 51 million. The enormity of this world problem is growing exponentially.

 

All refugees go through a security clearance, which takes about 2 years. They have to pay for their own travel to their newly adopted country (through a loan system which they have a certain amount of time to pay back). The government provides grants to support refugees up to 2 years, with help from the IRC, as they learn a new language, learn new customs and culture, and learn to negotiate stores, doctor’s offices, school, and employment. You can imagine what a culture shock our country must be to these people. Many of them have been living in refugee camps for up to 20 years, virtually knowing no other life.

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Another organization I visited, Women of the World, will continue helping these people beyond the IRC’s two year mark. Often, by then the father has a job, the children are in school, but the mother has fallen through the cracks where she still struggles with the language and has to deal with providing a comfortable and safe home. If the woman has come alone, with her children, like so many have, it is that much harder to incorporate her into stability, and find a way for her to earn income and create trust enough for her to send her children to daycare.

 

We understand and recognize this enormous problem, but what can we do to help?

 

–Helping these families is a one-on-one experience. Mentoring a family where you can teach them English; offer to go with them to the store, doctor, school, etc.; practice with them; encourage them; be there to answer questions, etc., etc.; is really the best way to help them. They need a friend who knows the ropes and is willing to take the time necessary to show them how to function as normally as possible in this brand new situation they find themselves in.

 

–It is possible to organize classes and teach groups the English language, or certain skills.

 

–Medical people are needed to teach hygiene, nutrition, how to deal with medical issues, etc.

 

–Because everyone is learning new things in new situations, innovation is welcome. If you think you have a helpful idea, or solution, volunteer to put it into action. These people need help and you may just be the one, with the great idea, to fill that need.

 

–Supplies are needed in abundance. When a refugee family first arrives, they are picked up at the airport and brought to an apartment that has been completely furnished, right down to their first meal. You can find a list of these basic needs at the IRC website, but just think about what you might need in their situation. All donations (that have been thoughtfully considered) are welcome. Gift cards are one item that can go a long way. Cash donated on their website is of course always encouraged.

 

IRC, and Women of the World, Facebook pages will keep you abreast of clothing drives, fundraisers, etc., throughout the year.

 

Now, lest we forget. There are poor American people among us as well. It is our duty and obligation to help ALL those in need. Look around your part of the world. What can you discover about your own area where needs go unmet and ignored? And what can you do to help?

 

Just ask any bishop: How much time do you spend on welfare problems? What can members of a ward do to help one another, teach, and train, and support one another? If pride is a concern, reach out to your stake, or bond with a sister-ward across the city, or state. Needs aren’t always monetary, but everyone struggles at one time or another with something that perhaps there is help for.

 

I am aware of a young girl who has been to Greece twice, helping at the Syrian Refugee camps. She has taken it upon herself to start an NGO. She has set up an Amazon account where purchased items will go directly to this camp. Such a brilliant idea, and one we can easily contribute to.

 

There is something each one of us can find to do. We all have skills and ideas that can be useful to someone else. If anything, our hearts go out to the women and children who suffer so much.

 

Most of us are relatively comfortable and safe in our own neighborhoods. Too many of us are busy with activities we wouldn’t even be able to list the next day if we tried. All of us can find something that will bless another person’s life.