The goal of this GoFundMe campaign is to raise funds to cover the Betoloum family’s rent for 12-18 months while family members seek steady employment.

The family escaped war, conflict, and disease in the Central African Republic and arrived in Portland in April 2023 via Cameroon after full vetting by the U.S. Government under its Refugee Admissions Program which was, unfortunately, suspended in 2025.

Upon arrival, the family was placed in transitional housing at the Jesuits West-owned Tibbetts House by Catholic Charities.

Their early experiences were featured in this short video produced by Catholic Charities:  

https://youtu.be/WkrlFc3Twf8?si=DeHksMrV9rjh7_0M

The family wants to be self-sufficient, but it could take a year or more to receive renewed work permits. Elodie is the matriarch of the family with 5 children and 2 grandchildren (the youngest is 2), and they currently live in a small apartment sharing one bathroom and

have no car. Elodie previously worked at a hotel but had to leave the job due to health issues. One of the high school teenagers started a part-time job but was let go when his work permit expired. With no means to pay their rent, the family’s situation is precarious

and desperate.

In the meantime, the adults have attended ESL and job training classes, and the family is seeking legal help with their work permit status. All of this has created a thin ray of hope but nevertheless they face the real danger of eviction which would be catastrophic for the family, particularly for the children.

We are a group of volunteers from several different church communities who have helped the family in their transition to America. We have gotten to know the family and can tell you without reservation that they are good people and deserve an opportunity to

establish their family in our community.

Please consider contributing to this fundraising campaign. Anything you can give is meaningful and most appreciated. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or suggestions on employment.

Thank you for your generosity and God Bless!