Hello everyone,

We want to start by thanking you all for your generous financial gifts to our immigrant neighbors through Angels Next Door. Since the beginning of January, we have connected over 300 sponsors with more than 200 families, providing groceries, clothing, furniture, encouragement, acceptance, love, hugs, money, toys, letters, rides to work and appointments, and payments for utility, car and phone bills, as well as birthday cakes, pizza nights, and so much more.

We are happy to report that of the 200 families we support in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, we covered rent for both February and March for over 150 families. That in itself is absolutely incredible given that this is an entirely grassroots effort. These accomplishments have only been possible because of your contributions, large and small.

We’d like to give a quick update on how our families are doing since ICE presence decreased from over 3,000 to around 500. About 75% of our families are beginning to return to work. This has been a struggle for many. Some employers have filled positions, while others still cannot reopen or rehire staff full-time. Most families are doing everything they can to move forward despite an environment that has made stability incredibly difficult to achieve.

Many of our families came to the United States seeking asylum or through Temporary Protected Status. Those previously viable pathways are now being denied, leaving many families facing impossible choices, living under the radar or returning to countries where safety is not guaranteed. Many left everything behind, risking it all with young children to start over. Some have shared that violent gangs in their home countries have threatened their lives.

Although the immediate danger of being separated from their children and loved ones has decreased significantly, it remains present.

The next few years will be very difficult if not impossible for many immigrant families here in the United States. We believe that our program has protected many families by keeping them together, housed and fed; yet, there is no normal life to return to. Many families are still fighting to get their loved ones out of detention and back to Minnesota. We have had mothers, fathers, teenage children and entire families who have been detained and/or deported.

One story that stays with us is that of a young father who has yet to meet his newborn son. He and his wife were detained on their way to an 8-month OB appointment. While his wife was released, he remains detained, and she and their children have been living with a sponsor family for over six weeks. There are several heartbreaking stories of families separated and struggling in a similar manner.

The weight of these experiences can feel overwhelming. And yet, during these darkest moments, it has been all of you who have brought light, lifting spirits, supporting families, and reminding us what community truly means. We cannot thank you enough.

Many families are now transitioning back to independence, either returning to work or receiving short-term financial support to help them regain stability. However, there are 37 families we remain closely connected with due to especially vulnerable circumstances. These include having a detained or deported main breadwinner, ongoing medical needs, difficulty finding work, experiencing crime or theft, or continued instability. We will continue supporting and checking in with these families over the coming weeks as they work toward stability.

As we begin to close out this chapter of our program, we want you to know just how meaningful your support has been. Because of you, families have not only stayed housed and fed, but have also felt seen, accepted, and cared for during an incredibly uncertain time. Many have shared that they don’t know where they would be without this community.

If you feel able, we are making one final push through April to support the small group of families facing the most extreme and vulnerable circumstances.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly to helping these families stay housed, fed, and supported as they navigate what comes next.

We hope to close our GoFundMe and Venmo (MNAngelsNextDoor - last 4 digits 3735) in late April or early May.

We have never been more proud to be part of this community. In a world that can feel increasingly divided, your kindness has been a powerful reminder of what is possible when people come together with compassion and purpose. May we never forget how powerful we are when we come together for good.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

As the seasons change, the snow begins to melt, and Minnesota slowly warms, please take care of yourselves. We wish you love, health, and peace on your journey.