When you are in our building, you may see some new faces. We are blessed to be able to temporarily house three families in Plymouth’s second floor classrooms. These families are seeking asylum in the United States. Since housing is so difficult in Seattle, they have no where to stay except in tents. Marina Ortiz from the Church Council of Greater Seattle has reached out to churches to house people. Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown said yes, Plymouth can help. Things are happening quickly!

We received one family of five last Thursday and we expect two more families on Wednesday, May 8. Dr. Brown and Indigo Brown stayed overnight at Plymouth last Thursday to be sure the family felt safe. Huge thanks to them and to all the Plymouth custodians and Immigration Ministry Team members, and especially to Janet Gwilym, Bing Tso, Al Bentley, Warren Smith, Kathy Rood and our moderator, Matt Durland, for all their work to turn classrooms into homes. We have provided some basics to get our first family started -- inflatable mattresses, bedding, towels, toiletries, food, toys, couches, and tables as well as some floor lamps and decorations to help the room feel cozy. This week we will assess their clothing and other needs. We don’t know yet know the configurations of the other families.

We need to protect their privacy so please do not go to the second floor if it is not necessary. We will leave it to the families to join us for worship and other events as they choose. Our current family members speak Spanish and are eager to learn English. Please be warm and friendly with a simple greeting like hello and welcome if you see them. They need time to rest and to adjust to life here. The Immigration Ministry Team needs your help to give these families the best welcome we can.

Currently, our small group is overstretched. Your love and your prayers are a great beginning. If you can do more, please contact Carol Mooney and we’ll add you to our team.

--Carol Mooney for the Plymouth Immigration Ministry Team