Programs that make a difference across the Country
A Local Approach with National Impact
With the doors to our country largely shut for refugees and immigrants seeking safety, WelcomeNST continues to live our mission “to unleash the power of community to offer refuge” by forming Neighborhood Support Teams (NSTs) to offer support and solidarity to refugee and immigrant families that have arrived to the U.S. legally, yet are at risk right here in our neighborhoods.
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To increase our impact, we are forming deep partnerships in strategic cities to better utilize the irreplicable value of the strong grassroots networks on the ground.
Active Programs
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We currently have three active programs in strategic cities across the country and are continually expanding. If you don’t see your city but are interested in receiving updates, let us know and we’ll reach out to you.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
In partnership with UniteBoston, a network of over 300 churches in Massachusetts, WelcomeNST has launched the LYN (Love Your Neighbor) Project to form NSTs with neighbors and faith communities who want to add their solidarity and support to immigrants in the Greater Boston area by being matched with a Church Seeking Support (CSS).
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WelcomeNST identifies the Churches Seeking Support and the neighbors who want to help, then trains them and matches them together.
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If you’re interested in learning more, let us know and we’ll reach out to you.
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
In partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Utah Refugee Connection, WelcomeNST is forming NSTs in Salt Lake City to walk alongside refugee families who have lost support due to budget cuts.
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We are currently expanding this program and seeking new team leads.
If you’re interested in learning more, let us know and we’ll reach out to you.
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
In partnership with NOVA RAFT and REACTDC, WelcomeNST is preparing to launch a new program to form NSTs for vulnerable Afghan families who have lost support and urgently need the superpower of community that brings people from the outside to the inside.
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If you’re interested, let us know and we’ll reach out to you.
Expanding Our Focus
Historically, our focus has been on helping refugee families at risk abroad find refuge in the U.S. We've now expanded that focus to offer refuge to refugees and immigrants who have arrived in the U.S. legally yet are at risk.
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Every step we take to love our neighbors expands our hearts, strengthens our communities and reminds us who we are as Americans.
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Goals of the NST
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Provide friendship and practical assistance
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Walk alongside families as they prepare lawfully for the future
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Help them move toward financial self-reliance
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Support their efforts to continue to thrive at this challenging time
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 your questions
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Recruit your neighbors
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Meet your WelcomeNST Specialist who will assist you as you get started
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Get matched with a family or faith community and begin supporting them
What’s a Neighborhood Support Team (NST)?
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An NST is a small team of 3+ people who bring their solidarity and support to a newcomer family or community. Support is tailored to individual circumstances and may include:
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Visiting them in their home and inviting them to your home
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Accompanying them to appointments
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Helping ensure they have the food they need
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Attending Know Your Rights, Financial Literacy, or Preparation trainings together
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Working with them to overcome barriers to self-reliance
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 two neighbors to join the team
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Attend an NST training with a WelcomeNST Specialist
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Organize the team into committees
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Complete a background check and sign a Code of Conduct
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Walk alongside a family for at least 90 days, offering friendship and practical support
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