Julia Given & Lulu Nester spoke to the club from Freedom House Detroit.
 
Formed in 1983, Freedom House is located in southwest Detroit and serves individuals and families fleeing direct government, or government allowed, persecution. It has 14 dorm rooms with at least four beds in each and typically houses 50-60 people. It is an open facility with few rules – be respectful, complete your chores in a timely manner, and be in by curfew.
 
Freedom House offers five programs: (1) FreedomLives, providing shelter, food, and clothing, with many staying up to 2 years; (2) FreedomAids, providing legal aid assistance with the asylum process; (3) FreedomWorks, working on employment readiness, which, with government bureaucracy, can take 12-18 months to even be qualified to hold a job; (4) FreedomCares, providing on-site counseling and medical care through partnerships; and (5) FreedomTalks, affording a resource for those seeking global perspectives and language services.
 
Those seeking asylum learn about Freedom House through word of mouth and online searches. Our speakers are hoping to make it more of a household name in Detroit. To learn more or donate, please visit www.freedomhouse.org. In addition to money, items can be donated through its Amazon List. On the website, click on “Ways to Engage under “Join Us” and then “Get Started under “Give Goods via Amazon”.