<article> <p>Since 2017, it has been the mission and heartbeat of Hello Neighbor to provide support to recently resettled refugees in Pittsburgh.</p> <p>In the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic there is so much changing day by day, but one thing that remains the same is our commitment to the families we serve. Hello Neighbor continues to take a stand fighting for our refugee neighbors.</p> <p><strong>That is why today we are launching the Refugee Assistance Fund.</strong></p> <p>The Hello Neighbor <a href="https://www.helloneighbor.io/refugee-assistance-fund">Refugee Assistance Fund</a> will provide direct cash assistance to refugee families enrolled in one of our programs to help with critical needs such as paying bills, rent, and feeding their families. </p> <p>It is a scary and uncertain time for many–especially for refugees navigating quarantine and shelter in place directives when American culture and language do not come naturally. The refugee families we serve in Pittsburgh have been greatly impacted by this outbreak in every way–their livelihood, mental health in the face of social isolation, and access to computers and internet to support remote learning for their children.</p> <p>Our families have lost work and wages and are anxious. While we have all been affected by this pandemic, the impact it has had on refugees who have already faced so much is detrimental. They fear for the health and safety of their family and the hysteria, uncertainly, and instability triggers and unlocks previous trauma. We’ve seen mentors step up and provide support to their mentees during this time of crisis, and we have been so incredibly inspired by the movement of neighbors helping neighbors. </p> <p><strong>But we cannot stop here–there is so much more to be done.</strong></p> <h1 id="the-refugee-assistance-fund">The Refugee Assistance Fund</h1> <p><br> The Hello Neighbor <a href="https://www.helloneighbor.io/refugee-assistance-fund">Refugee Assistance Fund (RAF)</a> was established to provide refugee families in Pittsburgh with the critical support they need in times of crisis–which majority of our families now find themselves in. </p> <p><strong>When you donate to RAF, 100% of the funds will go directly to recently resettled refugees and their families.</strong></p> <p>We are asking for your help to support your neighbors in the midst of this unprecedented crisis.</p> <p><strong>We have set a goal of $25,000. Will you help us reach our goal?</strong></p> <p>Every dollar makes a difference, and helps grant our families the support they need to make it through this challenging time. </p> <p><a href="#FUNTKJTWXLG" class="button" >DONATE TO REFUGEE ASSISTANCE FUND</a></p> </article>