Our Network
Bringing together and growing a diverse coalition ensures a deeply-rooted and stronger force for welcoming refugees
Hearts & Homes for Refugees created a network to convene people of goodwill, educate, mobilize support and advocate for refugees here in the Lower Hudson Valley and beyond. Bringing together and growing a diverse coalition amplifies all of our efforts, making us a stronger force for welcoming refugees and supporting them in their integration and goals as independent new Americans.
Our network represents local non-profit organizations, faith communities, student and community groups, and committed individuals dedicated to working together to advocate for just refugee and asylum policies, educate neighbors and communities and serve refugees.
More than 40 groups and 2,000 volunteers have welcomed nearly 100 refugees upon arrival, assisted over 800 already resettled neighbors and advocated for refugee policies that embrace our core American values of welcoming.
The Vision
We envision communities with longer welcoming tables. Communities that offer tolerance, respect and refuge for those who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and persecution. We look for a U.S. refugee program that upholds and improves the time-honored humanitarian tradition of welcoming through creative policies and partnerships that expand the model of community sponsorship of refugees.
The Strategy
We focus on creating a dynamic network and collaborative spirit to ensure that resettlement and advocacy can be as far-reaching, impactful and sustainable as possible. In these challenging times, community partnerships are key to a robust welcoming movement and keeping our core American values intact.
Expanding the network of 40 groups and 2,000 volunteers and supporters in Westchester County and the Lower Hudson Valley amplifies our capacity to gather and share resources and best practices, advocate for compassionate and just policies on behalf of refugees, educate more communities and assist more new neighbors as they build new lives as aspiring Americans.
We offer a collection of programs that create opportunities for collaboration, inviting volunteers across our communities to support our new neighbors in their integration. Volunteers journey with us along the path from awareness to action, whether that is through advocacy or refugee assistance, from short-term support to a long-term commitment. Community outreach, education and engagement plant the seeds for increased public understanding of and support for refugees.
Goals Through Our Network
Resettle refugees in our communities through Community Sponsorship.
Facilitate more welcoming by sharing our collective knowledge, best practices, resources.
Create opportunities for volunteers to engage in refugee support activities.
Raise awareness about the plight of refugees.
Advocate for the continued acceptance and protection of those fleeing violence and persecution.
Expand the network with new partners and supporters.
Promote this scalable model, equipping others to replicate community building and adopt the refugee resettlement Community Sponsorship model.
Network Partners, Supporters & Friends
Making this possible are people from faith and interfaith groups, local civic and community organizations, educational institutions, other non-profit organizations, high school and college students, as well as committed families, neighbors and individuals, in partnership with the resettlement agencies Catholic Charities and HIAS.