Asylum Seeker Support Drive

THE CRISIS
By now, we have all heard of the staggering humanitarian crisis at the  Southern border of our country where as many as 10,000 asylum seekers who have walked thousands of miles to escape unimaginable poverty, egregious violence and political persecution in Central America are now struggling to survive without the most basic necessities required to sustain human life. 

The most fortunate are packed in grossly overcrowded “shelters”  that are operating at double or triple their intended capacity without adequate food, water, clothing or medical care. 


The less fortunate are living in makeshift tent cities with even less support and stability. 


Single women with babies are particularly vulnerable. 



The asylum interview process, purposefully made more difficult by our government, is moving at a snail's pace and some asylum seekers being told that they may be waiting for up to a year or more in the conditions. Can you imagine the sense of hopelessness and vulnerability that these people are feeling right now?  They want what any of us would want- the ability to work, to feel safe, to have a home and a future for their children.




PRIVILEGE = POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
It's situations like these that put into stark relief the level of privilege those of us born in the United States enjoy. That any human should have to live this way, while others enjoy more than they need, is an affront to human dignity. Let's share some of the abundance we enjoy and let our brethren know that we care for them. 


HOW WILL FUNDS BE USED?
At the beginning of February, a friend and I will travel to Tijuana where we will use the funds raised from this campaign to coordinate with shelters in purchasing/delivering the most direly needed supplies which will likely include fresh and canned food, medical supplies, tents, clothing/shoes and sanitary products. By buying the products in Mexico rather than in the US  we can make your donations go further and address the real-time needs of the shelters which change from day to day. 

We can help feed the hungry. 


We can give them a dry place to sleep.


We can help them feel human. 


Depending on the amount raised, we may also donate to Al Otro Lado, an organization providing much needed legal advisement and support for asylum seekers.  To learn more about the incredible work they are doing, visit https://alotrolado.org/

100% of funds raised will be donated to the cause. Travel expenses will come out of our pocket. 

WHEN DO YOU NEED THE FUNDS BY?
In order to ensure adequate time to withdraw funds before our trip to TJ on February 2nd, we are hoping to receive the bulk of the donations by January 27th.  All donations received after this point will be donated remotely to Al Otro Lado. 

WHY TRAVEL TO TJ? 
We also intend to volunteer for a couple days wherever and however we can be helpful. I have chosen to travel to Tijuana, rather than donate remotely because bearing witness to the scope of this crisis and the level of human suffering feels essential to me. I need to understand it on a visceral Ievel, instead of just a mental one.  I want to meet the people. I want to ask their names. I want to hear their stories. I will share my experience with campaign supporters upon returning in hopes of transmitting some of what has taken root. Perhaps, I can bring a piece of them to you. 


WANT TO BECOME A "TEAM MEMBER"? ( It's fun!) 
Go Fund Me has an awesome feature which allows an organizer to add "team members" to a campaign. This  is a very simple way of increasing your impact by widening the reach of the fundraiser to your personal network. Team members help share the fundraiser and when their friends/family donate, these donors are individually listed under that team members overall contribution! (I guarantee this will make you feel like a fundraising bad -ass. )  Team members can also thank their donors on the page and post updates should you want to! I would LOVE to have YOU on the TEAM! Let me know if you are interested. : ) 

WILL YOU HELP SPREAD THE WORD?
If you aren't into the whole team member thing, will you consider  SHARING THIS FUNDRAISER one time on your social media or to  someone you think o may be interested in supporting it? Writing a short personal message explaining why this feels important to you will help motivate others to give. 


THANK YOU!
I greatly appreciate your support in making this “Asylum Seeker Support Drive” as impactful as possible! It will be my honour to carry your good will to the asylum seekers.  Collectively, I know we can make a significant difference and give hope to these good people in desperate need. 



Much Love to you All
Blessings in 2019 and Beyond
Olivia Treviño