|
MISSION: This project aims to facilitate a transition to social and financial independence for refugees from Somalia and East Africa who have suffered extreme violence, torture and persecution in their homelands; by providing safe, comfortable housing and centralized access to a network of supportive community services.
PROBLEM: The clients this project targets have been subjected to horrendous violence and loss in their homeland. According to the U.S. State Department, "Since the collapse of the central government in 1991, Somalia has bee subject to widespread violence and instability...Clan violence frequently occurs...There is no organized system of criminal justice in Somalia." Against this backdrop of chaos and anarchy, the minority tribes in Somalia live in constant fear and danger of attack by majority tribe members, who may burst into their homes at any time, killing, injuring and raping family members; then taking or destroying their belongings, homes or businesses. The minorities have no protection.
The clients we aim to serve have been through these kinds of experiences, and have then taken the arduous journey to get to the U.S., seeking freedom, safety and the chance to start a new life. When they have arrived at the U.S./Mexican border and requested political asylum (a valid legal status), they have been put into CCA (Correctional Corporation of America), a maximum-security style detention prison in the Otay Mesa area, and held until their legal case is resolved. This can take several months to a year. If they are released into San Diego, they have been granted political asylum, and been cleared by the FBI, Homeland Security, and Interpol. At that point many of them know no one in San Diego, and have nowhere to go. Some become homeless.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project is for these people--to provide short-term transitional housing for them. Thus this project combines the global and local levels by addressing a serious problem abroad that has come to our backyard.
We aim to set up 2 apartments--one for 4 men and one for 4 women at a time, for a stay of up to 3 months. Thus it will serve an estimated 32 people/year.
This project is an alliance between several Rotary Clubs in San Diego and Somali Family Services, a local 501C3. Committed Rotary Clubs are La Jolla Golden Triangle (the lead club) and La Mesa Sunrise. There are presently 5 other clubs very interested in participation.
Somali Family Service (SFS) has been serving the local Somali and East African refugee population in San Diego for many years. They estimate the local East African population to be about 30,000. A large percentage of these families are on public assistance. SFS will provide for this project their 501C3 status, staffing, and their social service programs such as financial literacy training, acculturation, English as a Second Language (ESL), employment services, counseling, and improving access to quality health care. They will also pay the deposit on the apartments.
Thus this project will provide basic education and literacy via donated computers in the apartments (courtesy of Steve Brown), with access to ESL websites plus additional focus on learning English as quickly as possible, plus learning basic computer skills. Rotarian Jean Kerr (Mission Valley Rotary Club) has offered to teach English in the apartments, and train other volunteers as well. Other Rotary volunteers will also teach topics such as cleaning and maintenance of the apartments, and how to search for a job. Thus there will be a heavy educational component.
By providing Rotary volunteers from the participating clubs, clients will be assisted with mentors to help in many areas (see above), such as helping to fix up the apartments, donating furnishings and household goods, taking them on field trips, helping with job search preparation/searching, perhaps provide hiring opportunities. The plan is that the mentors will continue to follow their clients after they leave the apartments, to provide ongoing guidance and support in adjusting to life in the U.S. We aim to provide at least 30-40 Rotary volunteers from several clubs.
Thus there will be many hands-on opportunities for Rotarian involvement.
The goals are to move clients towards independence as quickly as possible so that they will not be a burden on the community and need to go on welfare, but will become fully contributing members. At present, when they are released from the Detention Center, and if they know no-one, they become a burden on an already stressed refugee population in San Diego to take them in and provide for them.
There are 3 other Resettlement agencies in San Diego that also work with these refugees. None are able to provide housing for this population, so this is a crucial missing link. However these clients are eligible for a small financial allowance ($359/month) and other services from the resettlement agencies. Refugees are also eligible for Food Stamps and MediCal for 8 months. These agencies have all been contacted, clearly see the need for this project, and are supportive of it. We plan to work closely together.
I have been gathering a "team" of interested people from Rotary and outside, which now numbers about 25. In addition, some wonderful resources have been identified, such as Senior MoveMasters, which will be able to donate, store and move furnishings. Rotarian Jacquie Reilly (LJGT) is our Furnishings Coordinator. Others have offered to help with property management concerns, fund-raising, and other services.
BUDGET:
We aim to open the apartments Sept. 1, 2010. The proposed budget is thus based on the rest of the Rotary year: 9/1/10 to 6/30/11. Figures are for 2 apartments:
Rent: $2200
Household operating expenses: $325
(includes electric, phone, TV and computer, household supplies and repairs).
Total: $2525 per month.
Clients will be expected to participate and take responsibility in many ways, including paying a rental contribution of $50 each/month.
Allowing a small vacancy factor: ($387.50)
Total/month: $2137.50
Total for 10 months: $21375
FUNDING:
LJGT is contributing $5k from the 2009-2010 budget, and $4k from 2010-11 budget, pending board approval.
I am contributing $5k personally.
Hopefully the DDF Match will be $4k.
La Mesa Sunrise RC has contributed $1k.
I have gathered other contributions thus far of $2375.
Total: $21375
I will be assessing furniture donations to see if further funds will be required. If so, further funds will be raised outside of this grant.
The hope is for Rotary assistance in getting this project up and running in the first year. Then a volunteer has already begun researching foundation grants for ongoing sustainability.
Project will be managed through a Rotary account at La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club Foundation.
| 
