Hearts and Homes for Refugees is a non-profit organization that welcomes, assists, and advocates for refugees. We have chosen this worthy organization to be the beneficiary of our Winter 2023 Giving Project. When you purchase yarn at The Endless Skein before March 31, 2023 to knit the Braided Beanie or crochet the Yakity Schmakity hat (both patterns by Marie Segares), Hearts and Homes for Refugees will receive a portion of the proceeds.

We wanted to learn more about Hearts and Homes for Refugees. Amy Robertson, the organization's Program Director, was kind enough to answer our questions.

How and where did Hearts and Homes for Refugees start out?

Hearts & Homes for Refugees was started in 2016 in Westchester County, NY to mobilize the most powerful and untapped resources in our communities: the passion and the goodwill of its one million residents to welcome refugees. Founder Kathie O’Callaghan gathered like-minded volunteers around her kitchen table, and Hearts & Homes welcomed the first community-sponsored refugees in Westchester, a family from Syria. The organization has since provided sponsorship plus other services and support to thousands of refugees in the tri-state area. 

Please tell us about the organization’s mission.

Hearts & Homes for Refugees is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that resettles refugees in our communities and inspires, educates, and equips others to do the same. We harness the power of volunteers and mobilize groups to support holistic refugee resettlement. Private citizen volunteers improve the long-term outcomes for refugees and change the lives of our new neighbors as well as those who offer their time and resources.

Since 2016, we have been building a growing network of neighbors, community organizations, and faith, student and civic groups to offer safe and inclusive communities to our refugee neighbors and empower them to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity.

A refugee child flies a kite at a community picnic organized by Hearts & Homes for Refugees. © Hearts & Homes for Refugees

In the years since Hearts & Homes began, what has changed the most about the work you do?

During the previous USG administration, refugee admissions were limited. During that time, we expanded our support of those who are granted asylum, and continued to support new arrivals from Afghanistan who came through the Special Immigrant Visa program. With the change in administration, and in particular with the Afghan and Ukraine crises, refugee admissions have increased dramatically and we have returned to our roots and welcomed dozens of families since 2021, plus provided support and services to hundreds more. Our biggest change is the growth in the work of our organization, made possible by community support for refugees!

What is the biggest challenge you currently face?

Finding affordable housing for refugees is the biggest challenge we face. Not only does it need to be affordable, we have to connect with landlords who are willing to rent to refugees, who arrive without a social security number or local employment. Hearts & Homes for Refugees backs the refugees we place in housing, and is grateful to all those who give a chance to refugees by offering housing or employment.

What is most rewarding about the work you do?

Seeing a family find their bearings and start to thrive in the U.S. is the biggest reward in my work. When a dad finds suitable employment that pays fairly for his effort and skill, a mom who may not have had many opportunities before learns English or learns how to drive, a child who integrates at school and comes home with a “student of the month” certificate -- these are the rewards. And it is a true joy to be let into someone’s life, learn about their experience and background, and develop very special, heartfelt relationships.

These new neighbors are rightfully proud of their achievement certificates from school. © Hearts & Homes for Refugees

How does Community Sponsorship work?

Community Sponsorship offers a local solution to the global refugee crisis. It relies on harnessing the power of community volunteers and partners to offer a soft landing to newly arrived families and provides up to 12 months of volunteer support built to ensure the independence and self-sufficiency of our new neighbors. This public/private partnership between Resettlement Agencies and local volunteers from faith and civic groups depends on organized networking and goodwill to resettle refugees and build bridges within our communities of welcomers.

Community Sponsors are changing the way we welcome refugees. And this model is having a positive impact on everyone — volunteers and refugee families and the communities they call home. When neighbors join together as trained Community Sponsors to build scaffolding and offer networking support around new arrivals, refugees are more likely to thrive in dignity and safety, integrate into the community, and find success as new Americans. Community Sponsorship requires a significant commitment by volunteers. For up to 12 months, volunteers provide financial and material support, tools and guidance to help refugees integrate and thrive in their new homes.

What other ways can people get involved?

If someone is not ready to take on the commitment of Community Sponsorship, there are other opportunities. We have “community sponsorship lite” cases for families who arrive with more resources and only need 2-4 months of support. We use volunteer tutors for our ESOL program (English for Speakers of Other Languages). We need volunteers for our employment committee, willing to shepherd a new arrival through the job search process. And of course, we always are grateful for financial support, which may take the form of a donation, an online fundraiser, a bake sale, or any other good idea!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

We often hear from volunteers that welcoming refugees has been a deeply meaningful part of their life. Please join us in extending the welcoming table!

Your yarn purchase to knit the Braided Beanie or crochet the Yakity Schmakity hat (both patterns by Marie Segares) will help support the important work of Hearts & Homes for Refugees. Start here to plan out your project!