A Local Approach with National Impact
In a time of shrinking protections, real power lies with us, the people. Define the moment by taking action: WelcomeNST mobilizes Neighborhood Support Teams (NSTs) across the U.S., ensuring no family stands alone. Every act—every volunteer, donor, and partner—fuels the movement to bring hope and safety to families in need.
Standing with Afghan Allies and welcoming them to MA, DC, MD, VA, UT, WA (and soon TX). WelcomeNST continues to lead the way in mobilizing everyday Americans to welcome Afghan allies and their families with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). Our Neighborhood Support Teams meet families upon arrival, provide hands-on assistance with immediate needs, and help them settle into new communities while building a path to stability and self-reliance. NSTs are currently forming in the Washington, D.C. / Maryland / Northern Virginia area (the DMV), Boston, Utah, Seattle, and parts of Texas (partner conversations are in progress).
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Piloting Public/Private Partnerships: Seattle and Salt Lake City WelcomeNST actively coordinates with local partners to engage grassroots networks of supporters and tap local expertise to offer refuge to these families. In the spirit of reimagining the future of resettlement—easing the lift for NSTs and shortening the pathway to self-reliance for families—we see massive potential in innovative partnerships with resettlement agencies (RAs). We recently launched a pilot in Salt Lake City with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Utah Refugee Connection, and Lifting Hands International to support families who lost caseworkers due to federal funding cuts. A similar pilot is in development in Seattle with Jewish Family Services. In each pilot, WelcomeNST mobilizes neighbors and trains them to form NSTs, while RA partners help secure resources such as benefits, ESL classes, and housing. We see beauty in the ashes and hope for the future.
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Every volunteer, donor, and partner defines the moment and fuels a movement that ensures no family stands alone. Together, we can create a network of hope, care, and belonging—one community at a time. ​
Expanding Our Mission
This is what this movement looks like in practice:
Until now, our focus has been helping specific refugee families at risk abroad find refuge in the U.S.
Now, we’re expanding to include:
1. Creating pathways for refugees in danger worldwide to find refuge in the U.S.
2. Extending refuge to immigrants already in the U.S. legally, yet still at risk
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Every step we take together defines the moment—and fuels a movement of welcome and safety for families in need.
Here's how it works:
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Raise your hand to learn more about forming an NST
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Speak to a WelcomeNST team member who can walk you through the process and answer all your questions
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Recruit your neighbors
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Meet your WelcomeNST mentor who will coach you along the way
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Get matched with a family and welcome them into your community 
What’s a Neighborhood Support Team (NST)?
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A Neighborhood Support Team (NST) is a small group of 3 to 30 volunteers who come together to support a refugee or immigrant family as they rebuild their lives in a new community. NSTs provide practical help and personal connection, assisting with housing, benefits, documentation, school enrollment, transportation, job search and training, and more.
No special skills are needed, just a few neighbors and a shared commitment to welcome the stranger.
NST Requirements​
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Engage at least three neighbors
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Raise funds ($2,500 per person welcomed) ​
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Help secure housing ​
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Walk alongside a family for 6-12 months, offering hands-on support and friendship ​
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Don't worry! WelcomeNST will match you with an expert mentor who will coach you and your NST along the way.
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