Project Refuge
La Jolla Golden TriangleRotary Club
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Our mission is to facilitate a transition to social and financial independence for refugees from Somalia and East Africa who have suffered extreme violence, torture and persecution in their homelands; by providing safe, comfortable housing and centralized access to a network of supportive community services.
Current Situation
Due to political instability, many innocent people in Somalia and other East African countries have become victims of violence, torture and persecution. According to the U.S. State Department:
“Since the collapse of the central government in 1991, Somalia has been subject to widespread violence and instability… Clan violence frequently occurs…There is no organized system of criminal justice in Somalia.”
Against this backdrop of chaos and anarchy, the minority tribes in Somalia live in constant fear and danger of attack by majority tribe members, who may burst into their homes at any time, killing, injuring and raping family members; then taking or destroying their belongings, homes or businesses.
The minorities have no protection. The prospects for escape are limited and hazardous: Typically all available family resources are pooled to help a single member leave the country, hopefully saving their life. The family member embarks on a journey to the US/Mexican border that can take many months. They are driven by the desire for freedom and the opportunity to start a new life, contribute to a community and help their families.
The Final Obstacle to Freedom
However, as the refugees near completion of their quest for asylum they encounter a formidable and discouraging obstacle: In accordance with U.S. immigration policy the refugees are frequently detained and held in a maximum-security style prison in the Otay Mesa area until their case is resolved. If they are granted political asylum (which includes clearance by the FBI, Homeland Security and Interpol), they are released into San Diego, often with no money, few documents, and no awaiting family or support group.
Once they have been granted asylum, the refugees are eligible for very limited financial assistance, but it does not include funding for housing or furnishings. This is a critical and vulnerable juncture in their quest for freedom.
Our Solution
Project Refuge provides missing links in Somali and East African refugees' transition to self-sufficiency:
- Transitional housing that satisfies the immediate need for shelter
- Centralized access to a network of supportive community services to facilitate economic independance
Project Refuge can only accept clients who have been granted political asylum
The Project funds and maintains two, fully furnished, two-bedroom apartments, one each for four men and four women (no children). Clients can live in the apartments for up to three months while they establish themselves in the community and work towards self-sufficiency. Thus approximately 32 clients will be served in a year.
Project refuge staff will carefully screen clients prior to acceptance into the program. There are three designated "resettlement" agencies in San Diego that work to assist newly arrived refugees: Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, and the International Rescue Committee. There are others that also assist.
Project Refuge will serve as a central clearinghouse for available services, information and referral from all involved agencies to streamline the refugees' acclimation and transition to independence.
LEARN MORE about the population served by Project Refuge
Project Refuge Alliance
Project Refuge is an alliance between Somali Family Service (SFS) of San Diego and the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club; with generous support from other local Rotary Clubs.
Somali Family Service (SFS) was established in 2002 as a non-profit, social service organization. SFS is focused on assisting Somalis and East Africans in San Diego who face significant challenges associated with refugee resettlement and acculturation. The organization helps rebuild lives through education, economic development and contributions to the community at large.
Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
Project Refuge Co-Founders
and Co-Directors:
Dory Beatrice, LCSW, President of La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club
Ahmed Sahid, President/CEO of Somali Family Service
