Ads-Up: Aussie Diaspora Steps Up

Hundreds of Australia's refugees from Manus Island and Nauru are now being resettled across the United States.

From Houston to Chicago, Buffalo to Knoxville, new arrivals are starting to build new lives for themselves after years in detention.

We want to help them find their feet in the USA – and who better to help than someone who’s made the move themselves?

'Ads-Up ' is a group of Australian ex-pats in the USA who are building a support network for the newly arrived refugees, and we want your help.

Refugees arriving in the United States are provided with 90 days of limited assistance from resettlement agencies – after that, they’re on their own. We aim to fill the gap. 

There are over 100,000 Australians living all around the United States and only 1,250 expected refugees. If we work together, we can make a real difference.

Our goal is to mobilise the great Aussie diaspora to create a network of social support and provide necessary financial assistance.

Financial Assistance

Most refugees also arrive in the United States with no financial means and several thousand dollars of debt – the US government requires them to repay the cost of the airfare from their detention centre. 

There are a range of financial needs refugees may have: from winter clothing to emergency accommodation; books for children to mental health treatment following years of detention; money for English classes or an affordable laptop.

Every bit counts. 

Social Support

Refugees have told us they would appreciate a friendly face to show them around, a native English speaker to help study for their driver's licence, or advice as they hunt for entry-level jobs nearby.

We will work to connect refugees with ex-pat Australians in their local community. 

Who are we?

Our group is founded by Fleur Wood, former Australian fashion designer and author now living in New York. Co-founder Ben Winsor is a journalist who has had extensive contact with resettled refugees and their support networks in Australia.

Learn more: https://www.ads-up.org/