The RDJ Refugee Shelter is the only shelter in New York City specifically for asylum seekers and political refugees. Over half were persecuted for political or religious activism, while one-third of have faced violence due to human rights violations. We provide a safe and supportive space for men to sleep at night, while also linking them to legal, language, and health resources. Unfortunately, gu
ests have to leave every morning at 7am, and most people spend the whole day outdoors. "I don't have my work authorization yet, so I can't work. All I can do is sit and remember everything" a refugee from West Africa told us. Ahmed Awney, an architect and designer, has a way to solve this. An asylum seeker himself, he just won his case recently. Now, he wants to find ways to support other people who are in his position. Starting in December 2016, Ahmed Awney and the RDJ Refugee Shelter will pilot a three month furniture refurbishing project to provide guests with a warm place to stay, a therapeutic and creative activity, and the chance to earn an income. Under the guidance of Ahmed and a carpenter, refugees and asylum seekers will receive a basic training in carpentry, and will beautify and recycle old discarded furniture. Guests will sell them during an end of winter exhibition. Not only will this workshop allow guests to be creative and active while they await work authorization, but it will lay the foundation for a worker owned furniture cooperative. We already have free space donated to us from Church of St. Edward the Martyr. Now we just need to stock the workshop with materials,tools and supplies. We are reaching out to you – our family, friends, and extended community members for support as we stand in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers from across the world. The RDJ Refugee Shelter is a program of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Harlem. Help spread the word!
