Injustice, gratitude, and hope

Last week we hosted “D,” an unhoused asylum seeker. D. is medically fragile, and, despite the renowned medical care in her native country, D. felt being in the States would better meet her physical needs. 

So D. traveled to the States alone, leaving her teenage son with her sister back in her native homeland. On her journey, D. befriended two fellow migrants who promised her housing once they all reached stateside. Atlanta was their destination, so she followed these two strangers hoping not to be estranged in a strange land. However, when placed in gender-specific shelters, D. was separated from the two men. D.’s phone was damaged along the way, so she could not locate her fragile support system. So D. wound up in an Atlanta shelter for the unhoused past their 30-day limit.

We give thanks that D. is safe and sheltered.

Thanks to partners, after a few days with us, D. now has temporary housing in northeast Georgia. I wonder if and how D. will ever be able to live independently, but for now, we give thanks that D. is safe and sheltered.

Next week “F.” will return to us. F. stayed with us just a few days when he arrived in Atlanta from a volatile South American country. He migrated to the States weeks ago with a cousin searching for asylum. Filled with expectant hope, F. waited with us at the Atlanta Friends Meeting while his cousin remained detained by immigration officials for a few days longer.

We’ve kept in almost daily contact with F., and he is desperate. The US government does not issue work permits to asylum seekers, so employment has been hard for F. His cousin’s hidden addiction surfaced during their brief time together in Atlanta. F. will return to us in a few days.

Your gifts help curb literal and figurative hunger pangs as asylum seekers strive to fill a craving for justice.

During this season, mixed with injustice and gratitude, we give thanks to our supporters and partners. You are beacons of hope. Your gifts help curb literal and figurative hunger pangs as asylum seekers strive to fill a craving for justice.