Migrant & Refugee Ministry
"[In two years, Texas] has transported nearly 120,000 migrants on more than 2,600 buses to six cities." It has turned the slow diffusion of migrants into various towns spread across the U.S. to the fast growth and focused concentration of new migrants in a few key cities, one of them being Washington D.C. That rapid influx of residents in our area, in addition to serving as a major destination for refugees from across the world, has led to a great need for living essentials, supplies, furniture, and housing. Holy Trinity continues to partner with local organizations aiding refugee and migrant families in any way that we can. See below for current donation and volunteer opportunities.
Credit: Axios Austin
Migrant Immediate Aid
We’re continuing to work with the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network to collect supplies for migrant families who have been denied housing and need immediate aid, children’s medicine and toiletries. In addition, their perinatal support team has provided baby clothes for hundreds of families, and babies continue arriving with new families. Thus, they are also seeking donations of gently used baby clothing, baby carriers, and lightweight baby blankets.
You can drop these off at the church. You can also still continue to donate online by shopping their designated Amazon wish lists linked below and having the donated items sent to Holy Trinity. Thank you!
Migrant Moving Volunteers
Family shelters in our area are still overstretched, and migrants have been forced to take shelter wherever they can with no resources. The Migrant Mutual Aid Network has received double the number of migrant requests for furniture. Volunteers are needed to track down furniture on NextDoor, Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, etc., match them to requests, and schedule deliveries. Other people are needed to drive or help load and unload the furniture.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please email office@holytrinityfallschurch.org. (Donations of bedding and household supplies are also needed.)
Welcoming Refugees
Since the 1950s, Holy Trinity has played an integral role in aiding refugee families resettling in Northern Virginia. In 1952, Holy Trinity sponsored a refugee family from West Germany. On Sunday, April 27, 1952, Herbert and Marie Rothenberg and their three children arrived in Washington, DC and the members of Holy Trinity provided housing, immediate needs, companionship, and transportation in effort to help the family make Falls Church their new home. The Rothenbergs began a lifelong association with Holy Trinity that benefitted both the congregation and the family.
Since then, hundreds of refugees from around the world resettle in Northern Virginia every year. Through Global Refuge and Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA), Holy Trinity continues to aid in resettlement efforts through financial assistance and donation collections.