Homes Not Borders: Supporting Refugees Beyond Entry

In this podcast conversation & article, Laura (Thompson) Osuri, Executive Director, and Manizha Azizi, Director of Family Services and Partnerships at Homes Not Borders discuss their organization's mission to support refugees and other forced migrants in the DC area. They explain the process of refugees in the US, where resettlement agencies provide housing, employment, and other services to help them adjust to their new lives.

Homes Not Borders works with resettlement agencies to provide additional support to refugees, such as home setups and other needs that they may have to help them feel at home in the United States. We discuss the financial challenges refugees face, including the inadequate rental income they receive, which is insufficient to cover rent and essential household items.

Homes Not Borders provides programs and cash assistance to help refugees find employment and support women who are caring for children. They emphasize the importance of supporting refugees, given the privileges and opportunities Americans have compared to those in refugee camps or home countries. They also discuss the changing political landscape and how it affects their work.

Finally, we hear stories about their experiences working with refugees and how they have helped them settle into their new lives in the United States. They also discuss their future plans, including expanding their programs and services to reach even more refugees in need. The conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by refugees and the importance of programs like Homes Not Borders in helping them build a better future.

To listen/watch to the full podcast interview hosted by Greater Than Zero Percent (GTZP), visit our or Spotify or Apple.

In recent years, the number of refugees seeking safety and a new life in the United States has increased significantly. These individuals often flee war, persecution, and other forms of violence in their home countries, and come to the US in search of a better future.

However, the current political climate and strict immigration policies have made it difficult for refugees to find a safe haven in the US. Despite these challenges, supporting refugees is not only a moral imperative, but it also benefits the US economy and society as a whole.

In this post, we will explore the role that Homes Not Borders play in supporting refugees and why it is critical for the US to provide more opportunities for these individuals to rebuild their lives in our communities.

The Importance of Providing Homes for Refugees

One of the most important ways to support refugees is by providing them with a safe and welcoming home in the US. This not only helps them to rebuild their lives, but it also creates positive outcomes for the communities in which they settle.

First and foremost, having a stable and secure home allows refugees to focus on rebuilding their lives and integrating into their new communities. It provides them with a sense of stability and security that is often lacking in their home countries and during their journey to the US.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, refugees who are able to find employment and become self-sufficient contribute to the US economy by paying taxes and creating jobs in their communities. In addition to economic benefits, providing homes for refugees also strengthens social cohesion and promotes diversity in our communities.

Refugees bring a wealth of cultural knowledge and experience that can enrich our communities and promote understanding and acceptance of different cultures.

The Role of Community-Based Organizations in Supporting Refugees

Community-based organizations (CBOs) play a crucial role in supporting refugees in the US.

These organizations work with refugees to provide them with the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives in their new communities. CBOs provide a variety of services, including language classes, job training, and legal assistance. They also help refugees to find housing and connect with other members of their community.

CBOs also play a critical role in advocating for policies that support refugees.

They work with policymakers to promote policies that are more welcoming to refugees and that provide them with the resources they need to succeed in the US.

How the US Can Support Refugees

Despite the importance of providing homes for refugees, the US has been increasingly restrictive in its immigration policies in recent years.

This has made it more difficult for refugees to find safety and rebuild their lives in the US. To support refugees, the US must adopt more welcoming policies that prioritize the needs of refugees.

This includes providing funding to CBOs to support their work with refugees, providing more resources for refugees to find housing and employment, and increasing the number of refugees who are allowed to enter the US each year.

By providing stable homes and support through community-based organizations, we can help refugees to become self-sufficient. By adopting more welcoming policies and addressing the root causes of refugee displacement, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

Together, we can build a future where homes, not borders, are the key to supporting refugees and providing them with the opportunity to thrive.

To listen/watch to the full podcast interview hosted by Greater Than Zero Percent (GTZP), visit our or Spotify or Apple.

-Joseph (with help from ChatGPT!)