Welcome Immigrants to Baltimore

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

FYI, there is a new movement here in Baltimore to meet Greyhound buses arriving in Baltimore several times daily with immigrants released from detention in the southwest – Baltimore Immigrant Transit Assistance.

For some, it is their last stop after a 48-hour journey on the bus. For others, they are headed north to Philadelphia or NYC. Spanish-speakers are being recruited to identify immigrants (the ones without suitcases!), welcome them, offer cell phones to let families know they are here or in route, offer water, snacks and coffee. Make sure that no one needs urgent medical care. This is an act of accompaniment to provide a “bienvenido” to brave, resilient folks who have been through a tough journey to arrive here.

If you are interested, please contact “Sam” (Samantha) Williams, a social worker at Lutheran Immigration Relief Services, who can provide training info and more specific information about this important work. Baltimore is connected with other volunteers across the country at major bus stops in Mobile, Atlanta, Knoxville, Washington D.C. who are doing the same work. Please pass along to others who might be interested. Ability to speak Spanish is strongly preferred. Sam’s email address is williams.sam.w@gmail.com.

Thank you for all you do in, with, and for the immigrant community

Sincerely,

Mary Ritter

Immigration Outreach Service Center

Website

410-323-8564