Casa on Wheels is fully finished!
Casa on Wheels is Fully Finished!
Doesn't it seem like just a few weeks ago we had the idea to purchase a van, park it directly outside the gates of the ICE detention center, and have volunteers waiting inside ready to welcome released immigrants?
Oliver named our van Casa on Wheels (affectionately known as COW) and guess what... now it's fully finished thanks to the all-star team of Abby and JJ!
Please take a look inside our soft landing place for immigrants released from ICE detention.
Will's Reflection
We'd love to share these words from one of our community members, Will Stroller-Lee. He told us he felt immense gratitude after watching the short video. This reflection was his first attempt at a response with a poem/prayer.
"A floor mat letting your new arrival know that they are welcome, this is their temporary “home”, and the beginning steps of a journey back to their family and community and a permanent home.
A beautiful cabinet filled with food and supplies for the journey – manna from heaven.
Some artistic touches – decorative copper tiles, a handwoven basket, some cozy pillows, and friendly houseplants – small reminders to creatively imagine a brighter future.
A large kitchen table letting your new arrivals know that they are no longer simply guests, they are now family members in the Casa de Paz community.
A refreshing drink of water to quench their thirst in the midst of the uncertainties of this day and living waters for the journey ahead."
Get Involved
We are currently accepting volunteers to serve as hosts at Casa on Wheels. Hosts wait inside the van, keep an eye out for immigrants walking out of the detention center, greet them, and create a comfortable environment as they begin making plans to get home to their families.
Shifts are Monday - Friday, 9am - 1:30pm or 1pm - 5:30pm. The van even has a hotspot so you can work, watch a show, listen to a podcast, etc. while you wait. If you only speak one language, that's totally fine! Google Translate to the rescue:)
For more info and to sign up to become a Casa on Wheels host, please visit our website.