Ministering to migrants in DC this summer
The Baltimore-Washington Conference continues to assist the people at Capitol Hill UMC and others who are welcoming the migrants bused to Washington, D.C.
Emma Escobar, coordinator of the BWC's Hispanic/Latino Ministries, shares these new opportunities for engagement. For more information e-mail her at or contact .
Veranito Little Kids Summer Camp - Volunteers needed!
We are offering a summer camp for kids (Kindergarten-second grade), which will run for three weeks (July 25-August 10) for three days a week (Tues, Wed, Thurs) from 9 a.m. to 12:30 pm. This camp is for migrant children living in the DC hotel shelters. We need volunteers! Please register at this link and contact Nicole with questions:
Please note, high school students are welcome to volunteer with us!
Supply Needs: Children's clothing and shoes
We are now in need of children's clothing, particularly kids' pants/ skirts/ leggings/ shorts for ages 2T through high school youth. We also need sturdy kids' sneakers and shoes of all sizes. Donations can be dropped off at John Wesley AME Zion on weekdays between 8:30 and 2:30, or contact Courtney for alternate dates/times - .
Seeking Additional Donation Sites
As of July 9, The Outrage - our supportive community partner on 14th Street NW - has closed their doors and is no longer a dropoff location for clothing and other supplies. If you know of a place that might be willing to receive donations, particularly on weekends, please let us know! contact .
Other Opportunities to Engage
1) Mondays 1 to 3 p.m. or Wednesdays 1 to 3 p.m.: Clothing closet restock (Mondays) and help for migrants to pick out clothes (Wednesdays) at one of our Capitol Hill host sites. contact
2) Ongoing supply sorting! Sign up for future Saturdays, 9:00-1:00 or whatever hours you can make. Sign up here: bit.ly/DCimmigrantsupply
And as always, you can donate funds and engage more deeply through the Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid Network website: https://www.dcmigrantmutualaid.org/donate
Migrants in the News
A recent story from the New York Times (link is free) explores the ongoing, always changing dynamics at the border. As more asylum appointments open up and more people are able to cross legally, there are fewer migrants crossing outside of official checkpoints, and shelters on both sides of the border currently have empty beds, but this situation will likely change soon.