The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights through grassroots collaborations.
Congregational Accompaniment Project for Asylum-Seekers (CAPAS)
Throughout history and around the world, people have found ways to accompany, shelter, and defend the rights of those who are at risk of persecution. UUSC’s Congregational Accompaniment Project for Asylum-Seekers (CAPAS) supports communities of faith as they host and accompany individuals and families seeking safety through the process of obtaining legal asylum in the United States. We invite you to join us in this journey of welcoming people exercising their human right to migrate and resisting our government’s xenophobic immigration policies.
CAPAS provides multiple ways for congregations and individuals to offer much-needed solidarity to asylum-seekers. We can work with you to figure out the best role for you and your congregation at this time. The current options include:
- Host Congregations: Provide a significant level of support (including housing, legal representation, medical care, transportation, and more) to asylum-seekers for 1-2 years.
- Funding Partner Congregations: Match with a host congregation to provide much-needed funds to support their solidarity work.
- Solidarity Supporters: Congregations or individuals listed to receive support requests for things such as funding for an unexpected need of an asylum-seeker at a host congregation or support for a recently reunified family.
- Immigration Justice Advocates: Congregations or individuals who want to take action to support immigrant justice policy change.
UUSC staff will work closely with you throughout the process and provide ongoing support and connection to other congregations doing similar work.
If you are interested in learning more about CAPAS, please begin by reading the CAPAS Handbook. Once you have completed this first step, fill out this form to register your interest, and we will contact you.
Host an individual or family seeking asylum in your community with training and support from the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Hosts are needed in communities throughout the United States.
Beyond our immediate solidarity work, we’re committed to ethical storytelling and community engagement. Click here to find out more about our initiatives and upcoming events.
