Welcome a Refugee
What is a Neighborhood Support Team?
A Neighborhood Support Team (NST) is a volunteer group of 10-20 people who work together to welcome a refugee family into their community. Each team has 1-2 team leads who coordinate the efforts, and teams are organized by interest into subcommittees of people who fill specific roles (e.g., benefits, education, employment, etc.).
Neighborhood Support Teams raise money, find housing and officially commit to helping a family through their first 6-12 months of resettlement, but the friendships formed may last a lifetime!
Impacting Lives: Now and for Future Generations
WelcomeNST has created over 280 Neighborhood Support Teams in 37 states across the country who have harnessed the power of over 4,000 community volunteers who have welcomed 1,000+ refugees…and we’re just getting started!
Want to learn more about forming a Neighborhood Support Team?
Every Neighborhood Support Team that WelcomeNST establishes secures housing, organizes community support, and raises money to assist families in building new lives. We’ve worked with over 4,000 neighbors who came together to support incoming refugee families. Some are from communities of faith, some share a neighborhood, some are friends or colleagues and some are joined by a common interest. All are drawn together by one person who takes the leap to form an Neighborhood Support Team.
All you have to do is decide to engage your community to welcome a refugee family to your neighborhood and REGISTER YOUR TEAM! We’ll help you with the rest.
Once registered, WelcomeNST will assign you a mentor, who will guide you through everything that comes next, including:
It's as easy as 1-2-3!
1. Have a team kick-off meeting.
Your WelcomeNSTmentor will hold an official kick-off meeting with your team that includes practical training on team organization, guidance on fundraising and housing identification, and other important information.
2. Send in the team's application.
A member of your Neighborhood Support Team will fill out the application and submit it—again, WelcomeNST will assist you through the entire application process.
3. Prepare for your family's arrival!
You’ll prepare for the family’s arrival and the adventure begins! WelcomeNST will help you every step of the way!
You and your team can make a difference!
“Forming a church-based NST is a powerful way to build community and relationships. It’s a beautiful experience where we’ve seen healing, connection, personal growth, and a deeper commitment to our church.”
~ Kasey Dillon, VP, Outreach and Partnership