Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
3838 W. Cypress St
Tampa, FL 33607
813-876-7660
813-870-0826 fax
en español
LIRS Offers Guidebook for
Sponsoring Hurricane Evacuees
12 September 2005
BALTIMORE — Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has put together a "Guide for Sponsoring Displaced Americans" as the unprecedented tragedy of Hurricane Katrina has uprooted thousands of people from their homes, livelihoods, families and neighborhoods. The guide is available for download from the LIRS website at www.lirs.org.
“The outpouring of generosity and hospitality has been awe-inspiring,” says LIRS President Ralston H. Deffenbaugh, Jr, referring to the many who have responded by offering their churches, their communities and even their homes as places where displaced Americans can find a new place to call home. “We have spoken to pastors, volunteers, government officials and families from across the country, seeking our advice on how to successfully sponsor a family.” It was for these caring Americans—each striving to find a way to reach out to those displaced by the storm—that our guidebook was created.
"The Guide for Sponsoring Displaced Americans" is based upon decades of experience in refugee resettlement and is meant to help light the path for others. It provides practical advice and raises questions for congregations to consider as they embark upon the journey of creating welcoming communities for our brothers and sisters from the Gulf Coast. The guidebook offers tips on identifying immediate needs and accessing aid from disaster relief agencies. Also included is a checklist of suggested household supplies and a budget worksheet to help congregations prepare for their sponsorship.
“This experience has taught us many things about basic needs, about the stresses and blessings for both the sponsoring group and the family being resettled,” says Denise Peterson, LIRS Director for Congregation and Community Outreach. “The most important element of sponsorship is building a relationship that allows the resettled family to live in dignity and move quickly toward independence.”
Since 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service has worked with a range of service, advocacy and education partners to bring new hope and new life to newcomers to the United States. LIRS resettles refugees, protects unaccompanied refugee children, advocates for fair and just treatment of asylum seekers, and seeks alternatives to detention for those who are incarcerated during their immigration proceedings. With initiative and stewardship, LIRS seeks creative solutions to the needs of these uprooted people regardless of race, ethnicity or religious beliefs.