Page 6 - Our Hands Fall/Winter 2021

NEW AMERICANS

REFUGEES

WELCOME

amaritas is welcoming more than 350 Afghan refugees affordable housing shortages, material shortages — even if you
to Michigan over the next few months, in addition to the wanted to build new homes, the materials are short — when
Smore than 1,000 refugees who also are arriving from other you're up against those very significant and unique challenges,
countries. We have a long history of being the good Samaritan in that village mentality becomes even more important," said Kelli
this space, beginning back in the 1970s, right after the Vietnam Dobner, Samaritas Chief Advancement Officer.
war. Our expertise in this field is well-known and, as such, we have
been sought after by media around the state and even around the BEHIND THE SCENES
country for the work we are doing.
Our staff has been working
At the recent Mackinaw Policy tirelessly to raise awareness,
Conference, Wayne County officials and answer requests, sort
Samaritas unveiled a new $20 million donations, respond to
rental assistance program to help tenants offers of help, and, most
outside Detroit pay off months of back importantly, listen to the
rent and utilities, and to help Afghan stories of the refugees who
refugees secure housing. have been through so much
trauma.
"When you're preparing to welcome
thousands of refugees into your care, it
really does take a village. And when
you're up against staffing shortages,

SAMARITAS IN THE NEWS

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