At BridgeDetroit, we often hear about Detroiters’ difficulties accessing services.
Our city has a variety of nonprofits, service organizations and city programs. But there’s no one-stop shop for everything residents need, especially newer ones who may lack documentation. Add in language barriers and it can be a huge, frustrating challenge.
On Wednesday, we tried to offer a bit of help by bringing together three experts on the issue of immigration and convening some organizations with resources that could assist. We had Spanish and Arabic translators on site to help guide residents and get them the information they needed to start receiving services.
It was a drop in a massive and overwhelming bucket of need. The exact number of refugees in Detroit in isn’t known, but Lydia Reyes, CEO of Latino Family Services, says signs of their need are everywhere.
Last month, reporter Nushrat Rahman wrote about how agencies that help refugees start new lives in Michigan, often after fleeing war and turmoil, are expecting a surge in arrivals starting later this year.
The increase follows a decrease in resettlement agencies — and affordable housing.
Agency leaders expect an uptick because the federal government is admitting more refugees. Samaritas, one of the largest resettlement agencies in the city, estimates it alone will work with more than 2,000 refugees this month through next September — a roughly 14% increase from the 1,750 the organization projects to help as the current fiscal year closes out.
Arrivals are expected from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, Venezuela, Guatemala and Iran.
You can read more from Nushrat about the refugee issue here.
Refugees aren’t the only ones struggling with housing and other services, or course. They are big problems for many Detroiters.
There are no easy solutions, but our partners for the event offered some options:
- Detroit ID helps anyone get an identification card so they can sign up for city services, regardless of immigration status.
- Freedom House Detroit offered resources for affordable housing, jobs, legal aid and getting support setting up a life in a new country.
- Wayne Metro shared information on everything from assistance on utility bills and housing to after-school programs for children and food access. These are services that are open to all Detroiters.
- Latino Family Services helps with everything from translation services, food and diapers, education and health, job opportunities and referral services for legal aid.
- Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation hosted us and helps with community organizing, adult and youth services and more.
- Keep up with City Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero. She keeps residents informed of different programs available.
I also want to note something important. BridgeDetroit doesn’t charge for our events because we want them to be accessible to all. And anyone is welcome to attend any of our events. We welcome you and want to provide a safe and useful experience for all.
Thank you to those who came out to help and participate!
Laurén Abdel-Razzaq
EDITOR’S NOTE: Two of the captions next to photos in this story have been corrected.