About Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund supports immigrants and their families in rebuilding their lives following an immigration-related crisis. This community effort is funded through individual donations, local congregations, and local organizations.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors is more than a fund: it’s also a partnership between Decorah UCC and the Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center’s Immigration Working Group. This partnership sponsors and coordinates rides for folks to get to Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) check-ins, lawyer appointments, and court dates. It also sparks advocacy in line with the work of immigrant organizers around Iowa.
Volunteer Opportunities
Here are two hands-on ways you can be in solidarity with immigrant neighbors:
Need Support?
Are you in the immigration process and in need of some financial support, a ride to an immigration-related appointment, or something else? Use the form below to get started. Please note: Although this form is confidential, please do not include identifying information beyond your first name, town, and phone number. To honor confidentiality, you will receive a call from Margaret Betteridge to follow up with you and discuss options. You may also skip this form and call Margaret directly at 563.380.4710.
Current Needs in the Community
The Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund currently supports local families under financial pressure—including from illness and legal proceedings—in paying expenses like rent and utilities.
Guatemalan Basics: Currently we are seeking donations to support the purchase and delivery of tasty, cost-effective food staples (rice, beans, and cornflour) to local immigrant families experiencing food insecurity. This special fund is fiscally sponsored by Decocrah UCC and managed by the Decorah Community Meal. For more info about this ministry, click here.
To give to Guatemalan Basics, click the button below and select “Give to Neighbors Helping Neighbors—Guatemalan Basics” from the dropdown menu. You may also send a check with “Guatemalan Basics” in the memo line to the address below.
Donate
To donate to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, please use the secure online payment form below or send contributions by check made out to Decorah UCC with “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” in the memo line. Mail to:
Decorah UCC
PO Box 470
Decorah, IA 52101