🌿 A Fresh Start – Thanks to You!

Over the past few weeks, more than 40 volunteers came together for our landscaping and power washing days and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Thanks to your time, tools, and energy:

• The building at 3901 S Wayne Ave is looking cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming

  
  

• Overgrown brush was cleared, flower beds prepped, and the grounds were refreshed

  
  

• Exterior walls were power washed, giving the space a renewed look and feel

  
  

• You showed up with gloves, lifts, pressure washers, and servant hearts and you made a lasting difference. Thank you for being part of this transformation.

  
  

🧱 What’s Happening at The Refuge?

Now that the outside is taking shape, the real work inside begins.

This former school building is being reimagined as:

• Short-term housing for up to 8 immigrant and refugee families

  
  

• Office and co-working space for nonprofits and mission-driven businesses

  
  

• Future classrooms and daycare for language learning and life skills

  
  

• Community gathering spaces to celebrate culture and build connection

We’re not just renovating a space — we’re building a place of safety, welcome, and belonging. Learn more on our website!

🛏️ Sponsor a Room – Welcome a Family Home

We’re now inviting individuals, families, churches, and businesses to sponsor a room at The Refuge!

You’ll help create a warm, dignified space for immigrant families starting over in Fort Wayne.

Your sponsorship could provide:

• Furniture (beds, dressers, couches, tables)

  
  

• Renovations (paint, flooring, lighting)

  
  

• Household essentials (linens, cookware, cleaning supplies)

  
  

• Upgrades to shared spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms

🌟 Whether you give financially, donate materials, or help furnish a space, this is a tangible way to show love and hospitality. Learn more and sign up on our website!

Or Email us at TheRefugeFW@gmail.com to learn more and choose a space to sponsor.

👀 Want a Tour?

We’d love to show you the progress! Email us to schedule a private or group visit: TheRefugeFW@gmail.com

🙏 Monthly Prayer Circle

Each month, we send out prayer prompts for those who want to support this work and our immigrant neighbors through prayer.

📩 Sign up by email to join the prayer circle.

📅 Upcoming Community Events

• 🌍 World Refugee Day — June 20Join communities around the world in honoring displaced people. Local celebrations and opportunities to come!

  
  

• 📘 Citizenship Prep Classes — Tuesdays in May, 6–8 PMHosted by International House. Free support for those preparing for U.S. citizenship.

  
  

• ⚽ Amani Fort Wayne FC Night — Saturday, June 28, 7–9 PMAn international friendly vs. Atlas Fútbol Club U-23Click here for details

  
  

• 🎉 International Festival Fort Wayne — Coming in JulyCelebrate global cultures through food, music, and dance. Stay tuned!

🧾 National Immigration Updates

• The Social Security Administration has paused automatic SSN issuance for new immigrants, requiring in-person applications and causing delays. Learn more here.

  
  

• TPS for Afghanistan will end on July 14, 2025, with current protections expiring May 20, 2025 (DHS). Learn more here.

  
  

• TPS for South Sudan is extended through November 3, 2025. Learn more here.

  
  

• USCIS has reached the cap for the additional 19,000 H-2B visas for the early second half of FY 2025. Learn more here.

  
  

• Haitian TPS expires on August 3, 2025. However, DHS will make a decision about its a potential renewal or termination today. We will provide a further update about this tomorrow. 

📞 Questions? Want to Get Involved?Call us at 260-800-1558 or email TheRefugeFW@gmail.com

🧡 You Make This PossibleEvery donation, volunteer hour, and prayer is helping build something beautiful.

💻 Learn more at therefugefw.com 📬 Share this with a friend📥 Want to be featured? Reach out anytime!