RefugeeMinistry2005

Refugee Resettlement Ministry

Consider being a Foster Parent for unaccompanied minors coming to our area:
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County is the non-profit agency that is responsible for resettling refugees (people who have had to leave their country due to religious or other discrimination, political or social unrest) from around the world who make their way through the complex maze of arrangements in Washington D.C. to our area (about 40 or so per year coming from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia). Most of these people are single adults, families or parts of families. Occasionally, teenagers and children are part of this exodus; many have been orphaned or separated from their families in their country of origin.

The Presbytery of San Jose has had a long partnership with Catholic Charities to help in various ways with this resettlement effort in our area (we have helped make backpacks full of supplies to hand refugees as they arrive at the airport, some of our churches have adopted families, we have helped with setting up apartments, finding furnishings, hosting refugee events and in general, extending hospitality).

Currently there are a teenagers seeking foster care until they are old enough to begin their life here as an adult. To become a foster parent for one of these youth you can be single or married, have a family or not, and you will be supported completely by Catholic Charities (financial support and health insurance for the minor youth, educational support and tutoring, health, mental health and legal services, independent living skill training and cultural and recreational activities are provided. Need more information? Contact Coleen Hitga at Catholic Charities:

(408) 325-5159.

Refugee sponsorship is a way for congregations to live out the witness of God's love by helping refugees resettle in this area. We are encouraged by the Apostle Paul to continue that witness by loving each other and by welcoming strangers.

Frequently asked questions

Other ways you can help:

Donate a car

Create a welcome backpack