You can contribute by clicking Donate Now and selecting ‘Legal Fund’ from the drop-down menu.
Today, we announce a new Sanctuary Legal Fund to support immigrant families in our congregations and neighborhoods throughout the Diocese of New York.
The Legal Fund will help those navigating immigration under urgent and vulnerable circumstances to access legal resources.
It will work through partnerships with local nonprofit immigration legal providers and can underwrite limited financial assistance for emergency legal support. The Fund cannot cover ongoing individual representation, except in rare urgent circumstances when no pro bono option is available. You can find complete guidelines here.
The Fund reflects our Diocese’s commitment to safety, pastoral care, and justice. We are a sanctuary diocese. As Christian community we provide safe places of belonging. Our congregations welcome everyone, every day, without regard to their immigration status. Increasingly, providing safety means offering support for our congregations and neighbors to know their rights through often confusing process.
We need your help to launch.
We start with a $50,000 contribution from bishop’s discretionary funds. Help us to match this amount to keep families together. With your support, we can do more so that no one faces the system alone.
Your contribution makes possible same-day response, family preparedness, limited-scope appearances, and urgent filings.
You can contribute by clicking here and selecting ‘Legal Fund’ from the drop-down menu.
We have all seen the stories of families shattered by invasive ICE enforcement. We can care for those who are vulnerable when they are being actively targeted. We can stand up for a culture that’s generous and caring at a moment of chaos and cruelty. We can make a difference.
Thanks to Vice Chancellor Mary Davis, Ashley Gonzalez, the Rev. Anne Marie Witchger, director of advancement & community connections Elaine Delgado, and the Sanctuary Task Force for their work in preparing.