“We were established for such a time as this.
Together, we are a force for hope, healing and recovery in the world.”
- International Association for Refugees
FIRST COVENANT AND JONATHAN HOUSE
First Covenant PARTNERS WITH jonathan house
First Covenant Church partners with the International Association for Refugees (IAFR) to provide a residence for asylum seekers. IAFR was established in 2009 in response to the need for an international Christian nonprofit agency to help people recover from forced displacement. Eight years later, it became clear that an unserved group of displaced people was asylum seekers, who flee from their countries for their own safety. Unlike refugees, they apply for entry to the U.S. after they arrive. They are ineligible for government assistance and barred from employment until their application has been approved. This means that after they initially arrive, they are without assistance for a place to live and cannot be employed.
In October 2017, First Covenant Church agreed to offer our former parsonage as the Eastside Jonathan House, a temporary residence for asylum seekers. Since then, Jonathan House has been home to men from countries in the Middle East and Africa who were forced to flee due to persecution or fear of harm. A second Jonathan House in Frogtown hosts a home for women and is sponsored by St. Stephanus Lutheran Church. Several of the men in the Eastside house have moved out after obtaining legal status to work or having found other housing and new residents have moved in.
This has been a positive mission as we have been able to get to know people who have come to the U.S. to escape persecution and danger. The liaison team will periodically bring to the congregation’s attention specific needs and opportunities to serve. We also plan to introduce the current residents to the congregation and allow them time and opportunity to share their stories with us.
GET INVOLVED WITH JONATHAN HOUSE
There are many ways to become involved with Jonathan House!
MEET THE RESIDENTS - ATTEND A BRUNCH
Jonathan House hosts a community brunch on the third Saturday of the month. Due to COVID-19 these brunches are being held on Zoom. These are excellent opportunities to meet the residents and hear their stories. Receive updates and information about these brunches by signing up for the Jonathan House newsletter.
SIGN UP FOR JONATHAN HOUSE NEWSLETTER
PROVIDE HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES FOR JONATHAN HOUSE
We have opportunities to provide housewarming gifts to new residents as room in the house become available. From time to time we may become aware of other needs and share with the First Covenant community. Items that are always needed are:
- Move-in kits items (sheets, pillow, blanket, towels)
- $25 Target gift card to gift to new residents
- Online donations can be directed specifically to Jonathan House through our online giving tools
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Supportive community is essential to recovering from the trauma of forced displacement. The community support of Jonathan House is powered through people like you! Volunteer opportunities include:
- Inviting a resident to join you or your household for a meal or activity
- Provide help with financial planning
- Provide transportation
- Provide employment mentoring
Volunteering with Jonathan House requires brief, online training. Visit Jonathan House's volunteer hub to see the whole list of volunteer opportunities, fill out an application, and schedule your online training.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH JONATHAN HOUSE
CONTACT THE FIRST COVENANT LIASON TEAM
Have questions? Want to get involved? We have an excellent team of volunteers who can connect you with the information you need to take the next step to get involved. Feel free to contact anyone on the team with any questions.