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by Relma Hargus
Alliance individuals and congregations are being encouraged by an ecumenical and advocacy partner to offer support to those affected by the current humanitarian crisis in the Rio Grande Valley on the Gulf Coast of Texas.
"Concern for the welfare of the unaccompanied children entering the United States surely takes precedence over the potential contentiousness of the issue of immigration itself," John McCullough, president and CEO of Church World Service, noted in an email to member communions.
"Their vulnerability demands that we respond," he noted in that request for help for the nearly 200 youngsters reported to be crossing daily into the United States to escape drastic increases in gang-related violence and their government's "inability and/or unwillingness to protect them."
CWS has made this special financial appeal to meet the refugees' urgent and immediate needs including collection and distribution of food, water, clothing, diapers, medical care and housing.
The money will also be used to purchase bus tickets that will allow the refugees to reach relatives living in the United States while they await court appearances that will determine whether they can allow remain here.
Spanish-speaking legal staff within member communions who are interested in interviewing children and their families will have the opportunity to apply to do so at some point.
"Your assistance is appreciated in helping local congregations identify persons abandoned in their communities in order to offer available support," McCullough said. "CWS will collaborate with Member Communions to support this work."
Opportunities to help congregations assisting persons who have been abandoned will also be coordinated by CWS, as will a July 31 civil disobedience event in front of the White House.
The organization is also exploring the possibility of convening a "virtual round table" for ongoing collaboration to meet the needs of unaccompanied children the next several years.
To give to Church World Service and support the children on the border, please visit their website
and give directly to Church World Service.
Contributions may also be sent by mail to: Church World Service, Attn. Unaccompanied Children Crisis (# 76-628-B), P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.
For more information, please contact:
Erol Kekic
Director, CWS Immigration and Refugee Program
[email protected]
Will Haney
Associate Director for External Relations, CWS Immigration and Refugee Program
[email protected]
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