For asylum seekers arriving in Los Angeles, it is a daunting challenge to find a safe and affordable place to live.
In order to avoid the very real possibility of new arrivals finding themselves sleeping on the streets, CLUE coordinates a network of faith-based partners (CLUE Welcome Network) willing to welcome and provide temporary shelter to asylum seekers, whether for a few days or months, supported by our recently-added Faith-Based Immigration Organizer position.
In this series we highlight stories of resilience and dignity, as people seek asylum in the US, as well as the faith leaders and congregations who support them in regaining their balance after the journey to LA.
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
Located on Wilshire Blvd., the Immanuel Presbyterian Church (IPC) houses a congregation that dates to 1888 and today serves nearby Latinx, Filipino, Korean, and Ethiopian communities.
Once serving Los Angeles’ wealthiest citizens, the building was designed by Los Angeles architect Chauncey Fitch Skilling, and was designated a Los Angeles Historic Monument in 2003.
Reflecting the changing demographics in Koreatown over its 100+ year history, the church has evolved over time, adding Spanish-language services in 1995, and later pioneering the practice of bilingual services.
Today, IPC serves a diverse community with a commitment to outreach and inclusivity. Their mission is to support and uplift the most vulnerable members of the community.
To serve this mission, Pastor Andy Schweibert has built a ministry to support asylum seekers. With guidance from CLUE and in partnership with the Echo Park Immigration Center and CHIRLA (the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights), the church now shelters migrants in two living spaces, which can accommodate up to six people. They have plans to expand these spaces in the future.
Residents are able to stay in the church for two months, with an option for an additional month in cases where the extra time will facilitate a better transition to permanent housing.
Narcelys and Ramón
Narcelys and Ramon arrived in California in April, 2024 after a long and difficult journey from Venezuela with their three children ages 11, 14, and 17.
They came with no money and no connections in the US. Upon entering near San Diego, they were connected with an NGO operating along the US Mexico border, who provided the family of five with transportation to Los Angeles.
People they met along the way suggested that they approach CHIRLA for help. CHIRLA set up case management for the family and found them a place to live for a few nights, while looking for more stable shelter.
With support from CLUE and the Echo Park Immigration Center, the family moved into the space at Immanuel Presbyterian.
“We moved from hotel to hotel for a few days at a time. Now this is more tranquil and we have peace of mind and more normalcy.”
Narcelys
Narcelys and Ramon were granted parole for two years, enabling them to receive work permits. Today, their children are enrolled in a nearby school, Ramon has found work using his skills and experience in auto repair, and Narcelys is actively looking for work.
With their time at IPC coming to an end, the support network is helping them find a place of their own.
Although their story and the support of the leaders at Immanuel Presbyterian are a reflection of the power of people living by the values of their faith, it also illustrates the gaps in governmental support for people who are arriving in this country due to violence, instability, or poverty.
The CLUE Welcome Network is exploring strategies to build a bigger inventory of temporary shelter providers and to seek public policy change to fund it. We are committed to work with other immigrant rights organizations and congregations to support those who seek safety and refuge in our community.
Learn More About the CLUE Welcome Network and the LA Welcomes Collective
KCRW: ‘Bienvenidos a LA’: Volunteers to migrants from Texas
References
https://www.laconservancy.org/learn/historic-places/immanuel-presbyterian-church
