World Refugee Day
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
— Emma Lazarus, “The New Colossus”
June 20th is World Refugee Day. This is a day to honor and support refugees worldwide. In the historic sense, a refugee is someone who has had to flee their home country out of threat of persecution due to their nationality, race, and/or religious/political affiliation. War, food insecurity, gender and sexuality based discrimination, and climate change also contribute to the creation of refugees. According to the UN Refugee Agency, there are 27.1 million refugees worldwide, with 53.2 million people who are internally displaced. The current number of yearly refugees accepted by the U.S. is capped at 62,500, with 11,411 people being admitted in 2021.
As of 2021, Michigan was included in the top 5 states with the most refugee settlements. 36% of refugees settled within Michigan are settled in southeast Michigan. Refugee crises exist all around the world and refugees provide value to communities all around the world. Michigan is no different. SHARE Detroit is proud to partner with several nonprofit organizations supporting refugees including Rahma Worldwide Aid and Development, Samaritas, Freedom House Detroit, Southwest Detroit Immigrant and Refugee Center, United Community Family Services, and Hope Care and Beyond Human Care.
Each of these nonprofits work to make sure refugees have equal access to care and basic necessities that help restore their humanity and make them feel like members of our communities–because they are.
We hope that you will take the time to support these organizations by attending an event, volunteering time, donating money, or shopping their wish-lists! If you are still in search of a nonprofit to support, please check out our directory here.
About SHARE Detroit
SHARE Detroit is a community initiative with opportunities to do good across the tri-county area. A robust online platform makes giving easy by connecting generous people to the greatest needs in the community. SHAREDetroit.org offers local nonprofits a chance to be seen and heard, regardless of cause or size, and work together. Learn more at sharedetroit.org.