Refugee family tragedy

 

Hi, I’m Hannah I work for Samaritas New American Services, Intensive Case Management program, which helps refugees resettle in Grand Rapids, MI.
On April 22, on their way to a wedding, four members of the Grand Rapids Congolese community were in a tragic car accident. One passed away. Two members were airlifted to the hospital and placed in the ICU with life threatening injuries. One broke her arm and had additional injuries.
This tragedy has reverberated throughout the local Congolese community, but has particularly affected two families: one wife lost her husband; one mother had three children nearly pass away. But more than that, these two families have lost their primary wage-earners for the foreseeable future. 
For most people, when tragedy hits, money isn’t the first thing they think of. Their hearts go out to the family; they pray for peace; they send good thoughts. Maybe they are interested in making a meal or doing something else for those who are struggling. So why are we asking for money?
The local Congolese community has been a huge blessing in a variety of ways for these families. They have rallied around them and have offered as much love and support as they possible can. Many, however, can’t fill the financial hole this accident has left.
 As a refugee case manager at Samaritas I have had the privilege of witnessing the Congolese community respond in the face of this tragedy and I encourage you to come alongside these two families with your financial gift.
Money raised through this fundraiser will be given to the two families directly through this Go Fund Me page and are not being made through Samaritas or part of the Samaritas New Americans program.
These gifts will be split equally between the two families to help offset rent, utilities, and other living expenses while they grieve and look toward their new realities. I encourage you to stand with me in support of these two beautiful families enduring such a terrible tragedy.