LGBTQ Refugee Services
This program welcomed and supported LGBTQ+ refugees who wanted to resettle in Alameda or Contra Costa Counties in the East Bay.
LGBTQ people are increasingly targeted around the world, as more countries criminalize homosexuality or gender non-conforming behavior.
While this program is not currently active, we stand committed to serving all those in need.
LGBTQ refugees are often exposed or turned in to the police by family or community members, putting them in grave danger and forcing them to flee their homes with very short notice. Many become victims of violence, torture, and rape.
JFCS East Bay is one of the leading organization in the United States that resettled lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex refugees. JFCS East Bay’s LGBTQ Refugee Services program provided comprehensive resettlement services for those who have obtained refugee status through the United Nations to come to the United States.
Most of these refugees came from Africa and the Middle East, with asylees arriving from Latin America and the former Soviet Union. Unlike other refugees, LGBTQ individuals typically arrived in the country completely alone and often required personalized services to start their new lives.
JFCS East Bay case managers were specifically trained to meet the complex needs of this unique and vulnerable population. Our multilingual, multicultural staff members provided services in many languages.
For refugees we resettled, JFCS East Bay’s LGBTQ Refugee Services included:
- Support with the migration process
- Assistance with transitional housing
- Help enrolling in benefits programs
- Assistance navigating the health care system
Providing referrals to local services - Providing referrals to counseling and mental health services
- Assistance finding educational and vocational resources
- Outreach to LGBTQ social and cultural groups
- Volunteer support with social integration, life skills, and learning English
Volunteers are key to providing care.
When new LGBTQ refugees arrive in the United States, JFCS East Bay is ready with trained volunteers who provide extensive support for each person. Information about volunteering can be found here.
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
