Dear First name / Great Neighbor,
As many of you have heard, next year's refugee admission to the United States
may be capped at 7,500 people. Though an official announcement by the presidential administration has yet to be made, organizations like ours are wondering,
what is ours to do now?
This week, we believe we have our answer.
As new restrictions and waiting times on SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) take effect for many of our newcomers, food insecurity has become an urgent matter. Having enough resources to feed one's family means that many of our refugee and SIV neighbors in Charlottesville are now looking for 2nd or 3rd jobs to make ends meet. Teenage children are often stepping in to help at the detriment of their high school and college-bound educations. Urgency to learn the English language, transportation issues and paying rent and utilities on time are magnified. Newcomers who had been steadily moving toward self-sufficiency are spiraling. And with Medicaid cuts set to go into effect in less than a year, newcomers will once again be among the most vulnerable populations in Charlottesville.
There is work still to do for our small grassroots organization even if no new refugees or SIVs arrive in 2026.
As we mark our ten year anniversary this November, we have hope. Just in the last few weeks, three vehicles have been donated to newcomers, giving them the gift of independence and new possibilities. We have more tutors than ever before offering in-home English language lessons. Our team of grant writers is growing as we apply for outside funding. We are working closely with community partners like local food banks, baby and child organizations, and free health and dental clinics to provide needed essentials.
We are moving forward despite it all.
This fall, as a way to celebrate and mark the milestone of a decade of International Neighbors, we are setting a goal of ten new monthly donors each month through December. We are calling it 10 for 10, and inviting YOU, our Great Neighbors, to join us in consistently giving to a grassroots organization in your community.
A monthly donation in any amount counts. We met our goal of 10 new monthly donors in September, and already have two new donors in October!
Will you celebrate 10 years with us? Will you be one of our 10 for 10 this October?
With unfailing hope,
