Volunteers for Post-Detention Welcome Center

On July 15th, the Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AID NW) dedicated and opened its post-detention Welcome Center, an RV purchased with the help of many donors, located close to the release gate of the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma. The Welcome Center is open Monday thru Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. to serve the needs of released immigrants and their families.

Each weekday, seven to ten immigrants are released from the NWDC.  The Welcome Center volunteers provide information for accessing services that the immigrants need to build their lives – or to rebuild their lives – in the U.S. AID NW hopes that its Welcome Center allows released immigrants to feel connected to and a part of the community.  In addition to information, volunteers provide public transit funds, arrange for safe housing, emergency food and clothing, and, when applicable, make referrals for refugee resettlement services.

Volunteers are needed!  Volunteer orientation and training for the visitation program, post-detention accompaniment network (P-DAN) and the Welcome Center will be held on Saturday, September 12th and 19th at First United Methodist Church of Tacoma from 11:00 – 2:00.  For inquiries or more details, click here.