Interest in refugee services rises after federal policy changes, Alaska agency says

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A recent executive order now has Americans asking how refugees in their communities will be affected.

Build Belonging, an event on Feb. 2 is hosted by Catholic Social Services with their Refugee and Immigration Services program. During the interactive event from 1-4 p.m., Alaskans can hear about the first-hand experience of a refugee in America and learn about the potential impacts of the executive order issued on Jan. 20.

Local organizations like the ACLU of Alaska, Alaska Literacy Program, and Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center will speak about their work with refugees in the Anchorage area, but the event won’t only center around speeches.

Attendees can try food from other cultures made by refugees, sign up for volunteering opportunities, or participate in activities designed to contact elected officials regarding legislation that could impact the refugee landscape.

Heba El-Hendi, the RAIS Program director, said the event is meant to cultivate community and belonging.

“This event is targeting how we, as individuals in the community, can support, what action items we can take, and what can we do to learn about the refugee experience,” El-Hendi said.

Addressing the executive order issued in January which halted the United States Refugee Admission Program, El-Hendi said it doesn’t mean there aren’t newcomers to the U.S. who need help. “Because the program has halted, doesn’t mean that our work has stopped.”

“In fact, we need more support and more community members coming and partaking in this collective together in supporting the communities that we have already here. ” El-Hendi said.

The Build Belonging event will be held in the auxiliary gym at the Alaska Airlines Center Feb. 2 from 1-4 p.m.

Information on the Catholic Social Services RAIS program here.

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