Welcome the Stranger

As an agency dedicated to the elimination of injustice and poverty, we decry the enacted and proposed policies of the current administration that prevent refugees from seeking and finding safety in the United States. The act of welcoming refugees is an expression of our belief in the dignity and value of every person. We thank the people of Onondaga County who stand by us in our commitment to welcome the stranger.

See below for a list of actions you can take to support a welcoming refugee resettlement program both nationally and locally. You can view our full statement on this important issue here.

• Contact your representatives
  • Call or email your representatives at all levels to tell them that you want a refugee resettlement policy that is welcoming. Many refugee advocates are urging lawmakers to raise the cap on refugees.
    • Find the contact information for your United States Sentor here
    • Find the contact information for your United States Representative here
• Advocate in your community
  • Get educated on the topic. Resources include:
    • Refugee Businesses in Syracuse Continue to Grow, Making Positive Contributions to the Economy 
    • Statement by Catholic Charities’ Executive Director, Mike Melara 
  • Participate in Events - Local organizations are expected to hold vigils and gatherings in support of refugees. You can watch for these events in the news and social media.
  • Speak out - Refugees and immigrants are often maligned in the national dialogue. You can be a force for hope simply by talking to your neighbors about why you believe increasing the cap on refugees is our moral duty, in addition to being a benefit to the community.

• Donate 
  • Cuts to spending can have a significant impact on our refugee resettlement program. Any future proposals scaling back resources would threaten our ability to provide services to refugees who are already in the country. Donations can be designated to the program by selecting “Refugee Services” under “Apply my donation to.”

Do you have any questions or concerns? You can email us at info@ccoc.us.

Thank you for taking the time to take action. As a faith community and a human service nonprofit, we are called to recognize and defend the dignity and value of every person. Thank you for helping us to answer that call.