Asylum Seekers Housing Network (ASHN)

Mission:  To serve asylum seekers in a welcoming community, sharing in Christ’s love, advocating for justice and acting as cultural brokers.

Vision:  To help asylum seekers rebuild their lives, the program seeks to:
*  Develop supportive relationships
*  Create a network of asylum seekers who will support each other and pass on the wisdom from their collective experience
*  Advocate, and in turn, equip Baltimore's immigrant community with a voice to advocate.

Services:
*  Temporary housing         *  Link clients with local resources      *  Provide a spiritual community of support if requested 
*  Advocacy                            *  Cultural orientation                              *  Provide a social network and safety net

How does the program work?
For Asylum Seekers
The Reservoir Hill House of Peace has rooms reserved for asylum seekers.  In addition, individuals are willing to receive asylum seekers into their homes.  Any agency working with immigrants may contact the Asylum Seekers Housing Network to refer an asylum seeker for housing.  The Refugee and Asylum Seeker Committee of NBMC screens the potential candidates for issues of security and suitability for housing.  As a part of the program, the asylum seeker agrees to participate by volunteering in a nonprofit service agency in exchange for housing and food stipend.

For Hosts
People interested in housing an asylum seeker must be committed to providing emotional/social support in addition to housing.  Potential hosts will be carefully screened by the NBMC Refugee and Asylum Seeker Committee, to ensure they are in accordance with the mission of the program, and willing to provide support to the resident.  Rent and food allowance for the asylum seeker will be covered by the NBMC Asylum Seekers Fund.

History of the Housing Network
North Baltimore Mennonite Church began housing refugees at the Reservoir Hill House of Peace (RHHP) in December of 2003.  In 2004, the RHHP housed 14 refugees for three to four months at a time.  Refugees have come from all over the world, including Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, and Azerbaijan.  Building upon experiences with refugees, in the fall of 2004, RHHP began providing housing to asylum seekers.

Contact:  ashn_info@yahoo.com

For an article about the Asylum Seekers program, see Mennonite Mission Network site:
http://mennonitemission.net/Resources/News/story.asp?ID=850