By Michael Motes

(Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of articles dealing with the growing number of Boat People arriving in the Archdiocese of Atlanta and their needs. This week we look at the types of sponsors needed to help with the resettlement of the homeless refugees.)

In addition to those individuals who are willing to serve as sponsors for the ever increasing number of homeless Asian refugees arriving in Atlanta in alarming numbers, there are alternative types of sponsorship according to Father Jacob Bollmer, Archdiocesan Director of Resettlement.

“Not everyone can assume the responsibility of sponsorship, but most people can pitch in to one degree or another to help,” he says.

One suggestion he makes is through financial donations to the local resettlement program. All donations are “ear marked” to directly help refugees and sponsoring groups, Father Bollmer explained, and all donations are tax deductible.

If a financial donation is a hardship, he suggests donations of furnishing, clothing, basic household items or any useful gift that would help a refugee to begin a new life. The Resettlement Office of the Archdiocese of Atlanta (881-6571) will make arrangements to pick up donated items.

“Another type of assistance that is very important is to donate your time,” says Father Bollmer. “We need help to get the word out to local community and church groups, civic associations, business firms and those who would be potential helpers to the refugees. This type of help would be informal public relation assistance, which is critical if the resettlement program is to grow.”

One of the most difficult tasks facing the sponsoring groups is securing housing adequate for the refugee family that is economical enough so they will be able to afford the house or apartment. Individuals who can assist in locating adequate housing are badly needed.

“Possible leads to housing are always welcome,” Father Bollmer said. “Often an owner will donate rent-free housing for the refugee family and, of course, this is also tax deductible.”

Another way of helping refugees is possible for business men by securing job opportunities for them. The local resettlement program enjoys a national reputation of only three per cent unemployment rate for all refugees that have been resettled thus far this year.

Father Bollmer explained that two factors have made this possible: the generosity of the business community and the industriousness of the refugees themselves.

Although all forms of direct welfare assistance, such as food stamps, Aid to Families With Dependent Children or direct government assistance, is discouraged, if a refugee is unemployed for one reason or another or if a job is not immediately available; food stamps may be applied for to extend funds for the initial time of resettlement.

Father Bollmer stresses that such assistance is discouraged, adding that the purpose of the entire resettlement program is to enable the refugees as quickly as possible to become independent and self-supporting in all areas of life in our society.

“There are always problems in resettlement, but most are worked through between the sponsor and the refugees themselves,” he adds. “If necessary, the Resettlement Office will intervene if called upon.”

Father Bollmer suggests that those interested in becoming sponsors study the various areas in which assistance is needed and then decide in which field the individual can help.

He also suggests that concerned individuals check with couples in their neighborhood in an attempt to form a small sponsoring group. Another idea is for civic groups or business firms or associations to sponsor a family.

“We’re here to offer all of the assistance and help that we can,” he says. “We are willing to work with anyone interested in helping in this critical situation and welcome any and all suggestions and assistance.”

Father Bollmer may be contacted at Catholic Social Services, Inc., 756 West Peachtree Street, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30308; telephone 404-881-6571.