The Office of Global Michigan is actively seeking the assistance of local residents to provide housing for migrants as part of an effort to integrate them into American society smoothly.
Residents participating in the program initiated by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development are required to commit to a period of 90 days.
As part of the refugee support initiative, residents are tasked with assisting in relocation efforts stemming from the border crisis and establishing a home within the state.
Volunteers are tasked with various responsibilities, including picking up migrants from the airport, securing housing, enrolling children in educational institutions, and aiding adults in their job search, all under the umbrella of the Welcome Corps program.
Poppy Hernandez, Michigan’s Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer and Director of the Office of Global Michigan, underscored the state’s dedication to being a place of opportunity for immigrants, refugees, and ethnic communities.
Hernandez stated, “The Office of Global Michigan’s goal is to make Michigan the home for opportunity for our immigrant, refugee, and ethnic communities. With expanded refugee resettlement pathways, everyday Michiganders can provide refuge and build a state where people are welcomed with open arms.”
The initiative also offers other sponsorship opportunities through the CHNV program, which supports individuals and families from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Ukraine.
A statement by the state of Michigan reads, “There is substantial evidence indicating that the foreign-born population significantly contributes to the Michigan economy, introducing valuable diversity to the political landscape and enriching our social fabric.”
It added, “Immigrant households in Michigan wield an impressive $18 billion in annual spending power, with approximately 15% of business owners in Southeast Michigan being immigrants.”
The state also promotes its Ambassadors and Allies program, encouraging community members to become ambassadors by sharing their sponsorship experiences and to act as allies and recruiters by welcoming, volunteering, donating, or mentoring refugees.
