The LGBT Asylum Task Force, a ministry of Hadwen Park Congregational Church in Worcester, Massachusetts has provided housing for the first group of LGBT asylum seekers in their newly renovated apartment building in the central Massachusetts city. The LGBT Asylum Task Force mission is to provide asylum seekers of all faith traditions housing, food & connection to legal, medical & mental resources. Its volunteers recently made sure that three gay men seeking asylum in the U.S. had all the items they needed. Alain Spyke, a 26-year-old who fled Jamaica because of a local gang’s harassment & threats stated, “I don’t even have the words. To come into this country & have a safe space to escape all the hardships & trauma? Not everyone has that opportunity.” The LGBT Asylum Task Force opened their new permanent home after raising more than $500,000 to purchase & renovate a three-story apartment building. Al Green, Director of the LGBT Asylum Task Force concluded, “Asylum seekers are not allowed to work for up to two years after arriving in the US. Our vital ministry provides comprehensive support for the entire duration of that two-year period in which it is needed. We found that giving folks stability has helped them better prepare for their asylum cases. They know they’re in a safe place until they can get on their feet.” By welcoming LGBTQ people of all faith traditions the LGBT Asylum Task Force, a ministry of Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC provides comprehensive support for the entire duration of that two-year period in which it is needed. For More Info…
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