John,

Ramadan Kareem to all who are celebrating. Ramadan is the holiest month of the year for our Muslim neighbors here at home and around the world.

Muslims are always called to support the most vulnerable among us. But there’s an extra focus during Ramadan on giving charitable donations—known as Zakat—and providing acts of service for our communities.

So to start off Ramadan, I want to lift up an incredible organization in Detroit that could use our support.

Freedom House Detroit has provided 5,000 refugees and asylum seekers with safe refuge and a path to independence. Their clients come from every corner of the globe, all fleeing persecution and violence. Many are survivors of torture.

Freedom House Detroit is Michigan’s only temporary home and full-service provider for people seeking humanitarian protection—providing safe shelter for up to two years, along with food, clothing, legal aid, access to medical and mental healthcare, and support with finding employment and housing. And, this year, it is celebrating 40 years of service to Detroit and all those who come here seeking refuge!

Can you help refugees, asylum seekers, and others seeking humanitarian protection on their journey to safety, security, and freedom by donating to Freedom House today?

Your donation will help families stay safe, like these folks living at Freedom House Detroit:

Most people seeking humanitarian protection are not eligible for employment until six months to one year after they file their claim for protection, and most are not eligible for safety net programs. So, residents of Freedom House Detroit receive all basic needs as well as resources that will help them prepare for independence.

Freedom House Detroit’s FreedomLives program delivers community housing, food, fresh water, clothing, internet access, and, as clients prepare to exit the program, housing literacy which includes linking clients to affordable and safe housing options.

The FreedomAids program delivers legal aid, so clients can successfully navigate the complex and English-only process of applying for humanitarian protection and work authorization.

Freedom House Detroit’s FreedomCares program connects clients to medical and mental health care and health literacy.

The FreedomWorks program delivers employment literacy, including ESL training, job search support, and volunteer experiences to help clients gain experience in the American workplace.

Approximately 85% of Freedom House Detroit's clients exit with jobs and into independent housing.

Can you support Freedom House Detroit by donating as generously as possible today?

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your secure donation will go through immediately, with 100% going directly to Freedom House Detroit

In solidarity,

Rashida

P.S. Here are some more photos of people living their lives with dignity at Freedom House—with their faces obscured: