Asylum Seekers Housing Network (ASHN)

ASHN's mission is to provide shelter and social support in a welcoming community to asylum seekers, by demonstrating God's love, advocating for justice and fostering cross cultural understanding.

Established in 2004 as a program of North Baltimore Mennonite Church and Reservoir Hill House of Peace, ASHN serves individuals that have fled their native country because of war, torture, political or religious persecution, and are in the process of applying for protection in the United States. While the United States has a long history of welcoming those seeking asylum, the application process is often lengthy and leaves applicants in a vulnerable situation. It is difficult for asylum seekers to obtain a work permit and they are not eligible for government assistance. ASHN was created to fill this gap by providing shelter and social support for asylum seekers as they seek protection and transition to life in Baltimore and the United States.

ASHN's vision is to assist asylum seekers in transitioning to self sufficiency; giving them the foundation to create new lives and to reunite and support their families.  Additionally, ASHN seeks to build a network of resources in the Baltimore area to develop a sustainable model of housing and community support for asylum seekers.  For more information, please call 443/676-7695 or see the ASHN website.







Rooted in the spirit of Jesus, Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) invites people from a variety of backgrounds and ages to walk with people who are disadvantaged and suffering from injustice, participate in issues and activities of a local neighborhood and faith community, live simply in a shared household where relationships can be affirmed and nurtured and serve as an extension of a local congregation.

Baltimore's MVS Unit is housed on the 3rd floor of the Reservoir Hill House of Peace (RHHP). There is a living room, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a common area. The MVS household seeks to adopt a lifestyle that reflects simplicity, justice, and faith.  Intentional Christian community is encouraged in the unit, with the RHHP household, and in relation to the surrounding neighborhood. Each house member participates fully in daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and upkeep of the house.

The Baltimore MVS program partners with local nonprofit organizations that work to address the variety of social needs in the city.   A broad range of service opportunities are available.

Please contact Dee Ann Lommers-Johnson, the MVS Baltimore Personnel Coordinator, for an updated list of volunteer opportunities.

To Apply for Mennonite Voluntary Service Opportunities







The Reservoir Hill House of Peace (RHHP) is an outreach program of NBMC. The Atlantic Coast Conference of  Mennonite Church USA owns the building and supports its programs.  RHHP is located at 2401 Eutaw Place, Baltimore, MD 21217.

The Mission of RHHP reflects that of NBMC, which is to share Christ’s reconciling love with our communities and the world.  RHHP provides a Christian setting where persons can live together, serving and learning from the surrounding neighborhood and Baltimore city through non-profit agencies, churches and daily living. RHHP believes that people's lives are blessed by being part of faith communities.

Residents of RHHP include Baltimore MVS volunteers, international guests (transitional housing for asylum seekers), and community residents.  Residents of the RHHP come with a commitment to enter into the life of the residential community and the neighborhood. They participate fully in the operations and ministries of  RHHP. 
 
For further information regarding RHHP's mission and residential opportunities, please contact the House Coordinators Chak Ng and Ellen Newell (410/523-8210), or email the RHHP general account.

Check out the RHHP Blog

Article about RHHP from Mennonite Mission Network