About This Project
GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO LIVE
Asylum seekers fleeing persecution and violence -- where can they turn for help? Thousands who came to the U.S. have been tossed into overcrowded, inhumane detention centers awaiting a two-year backlog until their cases are heard. Thousands more have been turned back and forced into dangerous camps across the Mexican border. Given the pandemic and inadequate facilities, the lack of medical care or simple hygiene, many of these seekers are at high risk physically and emotionally.
Four years ago a team of Vermonters organized the Community Asylum Seekers Project (CASP) to shelter those asking for asylum. It costs us $15,000 a year to support a family. Through your generosity and the help of our community volunteers, we have sheltered 17 adults and children, many of whom are with us now, working and contributing to our community while awaiting their asylum hearings.
COVID-19 has temporarily interrupted our intake of guests. We are using this hiatus to reorganize, refocus and retrain our staff and volunteers. With the hurdles the pandemic creates, and the constantly shifting regulations surrounding the status of asylum seekers, it’s been difficult. But exactly because of the COVID-19 dangers, the need is greater now than ever.
We want to offer help and save lives. With your support, we can and we will. Please donate to this StartSomeGood campaign.
Let’s reach out to those who simply ask us for a chance to live. Donate here and learn more at caspvt.org.
Use Of Funds
$5,000 Tipping Point Goal
The $5,000 funding goal, combined with the generous support of our friends and neighbors, allows us to free an asylum-seeking family from detention so they can restart their lives here in Vermont. With your gifts we will provide the essentials -- food, clothing, shelter -- and we will arrange bail (if required), find medical and legal help, pull together educational services for the children, and offer language classes for all. That's the start: $5,000.00
$15,000 Stretch Goal
With $5,000 to begin the process, it takes us a total of $15,000 a year to offer a new asylum family safety and shelter. The more we can gather in gifts, the more seekers we can support. It's that simple.
Latest News
Aug 04, 2020
A Cheer at the Finish Line
Thanks to your generosity, we have doubled our initial goal, meaning we are well positioned to sponsor another asylum family. Your donations stand for a belief in justice and equality, and we at Community Asylum Seekers Project thank you and salute you. Well done!
Aug 03, 2020
We're Almost There
With 46 hours left in the StartSomeGood campaign, we've gathered the funding we need to realize some of our mission. We owe this to you, who have stood by us despite the swirling catastrophes that surround us. Thank you!
Jul 29, 2020
Thanks to You, We're On Our Way
July 29 - We've passed our $5,000 goal by more than $1,000 and have seven more day to raise as much as we can. Thank you all for making this possible. We're working to bring another asylum family to our community here in Vermont. Your support inspires us.
Jul 26, 2020
Children Released but ICE Will Decide
In a complex Federal ruling, ICE is required to release asylum children because of the pandemic, but can determine most of the conditions for such a release.
Jul 25, 2020
Featured
We're now a featured fundraiser on the StartSomeGood platform, but we are still shy of our goal. If you haven't donated, now's the time, and please, please contact those you know to help. Thank you.
Jul 22, 2020
Children Release Date Moved
July 26 is the new release date for asylum children in detention. Will they be accompanied by their parents? To be determined.
Jul 17, 2020
July 17 is the Release Date for Asylum Children in Detention
Today, July 17, is the date a US court ordered the release of children from asylum detention because of pandemic risk. But there is no understanding of what will happen with the parents who are also in detention. We are tracking the situation.
Jul 11, 2020
New Work Regulations
It will take a year rather than six months for asylum seekers to get work permits. This means we'll need to increase support for our guests. So, please, help us help these good people restart their lives!
