Belong Here

For immigrants and refugees with a low-English proficiency level, filling out forms, paying bills, applying for jobs and accessing resources are all extremely difficult. Many immigrants and refugees arrive in the U.S. without a network of friends and family, and thus struggle to make connections and are frequently isolated and lonely. This issue is especially aggravated those who have not found a job yet, are unable to work or are stay at home parents as their interactions with the outside world is limited. This is where Belong Here comes in. We provide an online space in which, low-English proficiency immigrants and refugees can meet volunteers to practice English conversation, receive help with understanding paper forms, and ask questions they have about American culture and customs. We provide a background check for all potential mentors and mentees and then pair committed volunteers with immigrants and refugees with the most need. We provide both parties with guidance and resources so that volunteers are equipped to help and mentees feel supported and empowered. In short, we help immigrants and refugees communicate in English, adjust to living in the US, and build a supportive network.