People wonder, and rightfully so, “Where do my donations go?” Well, this week, we are delighted to give you a glimpse into where your donations went this past week. Remember, this is the year of the “Holy Door” The Pope opens the door at the beginning of the year– symbolic of crossing the threshold into the presence of God. “The Door is Open!”

A family of three from Venezuela arrived safely in Memphis just before the new administration stopped the resettlement funds promised to help them get on their feet. They had not secured a place to live and needed initial groceries, cultural orientation, transportation help, and a job they were eager to begin. We are so thankful for a previous newcomer family that took them in for a moment until we could secure and set up their house.

We passed them the keys 🔑 to their new apartment 🏠 last weekend!! Your financial 💵 contributions helped us to cover their deposit for Apartment, the rest of March’s rent, and all of April’s rent. It also helped us get new mattresses, bed frames, a nice used sofa, and housing items not already donated by you, our Memphis community! The family says: GRACIAS!! (THANK YOU!)

The father was able to quickly secure a job and is so happy to be able to work to help his family. The family has been enrolled in culture and orientation classes and hopes to pick up some English classes around his job schedule. We spoke to the family today to check on them, and they said they were overwhelmed with their new apartment and said, “It was more than what they had imagined and had hoped for! 🙏💪💖”

Work in Progress: There’s a few additional furniture items that have been donated that will go to the family. We will work to help them with their initial utility fees, and are working with them for the rest of their services for post resettlement success. The family wishes to thank you all for pulling together to bring them a home and most of all, hope💖. Asha’s Refuge will continue working with the family to transport 🚙 the family back and forth to medical appointments and classes 📚.