October 11, 2010 / earnesteats

International Rescue Committee – Interview with Sneha Patel & Amy Lint

The opportunity to give back leads us to many different places in our lives. Sometimes you grow as a person, you discover something new, or maybe you make a big impact in the world of someone deserving. When we here at Earnest Eats decided to take the opportunity to give back through the International Rescue Committee, we were lead to all the above and more.

The International Rescue Committee, founded in 1933, offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to millions of refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people survive and rebuild their lives. With a presence in over 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, the IRC restores safety, dignity, and hope to those who are uprooted and struggling to endure. And with 90% of funds spent directly on programs and services, we knew we were partnering with what The American Institute of Philanthropy, The Forbes Investment Guide, and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance all agree is a top philanthropic committee.

Most recently, the IRC has been involved in distributing emergency supplies and inspecting damage after the crises in both Haiti and Pakistan. Locally, the IRC here in San Diego is running a number of programs and campaigns to assist refugees with assimilation into life in America. We were very impressed with the San Diego efforts and were able to not only donate Earnest Eats products to their Backpack Campaign, but were also fortunate enough to catch up with some of the IRC team members. We spoke with Sneha Patel, a resettlement agent, and Amy Lint, the community farm representative, about the goings on in the San Diego Chapter of the IRC.

Earnest Eats [EE]: How can a person be considered for refugee status in the United States? Once granted, is it a lifelong status or are refugees considered permanent residents, and can they eventually be U.S. citizens?

Sneha Patel [SP]: A refugee is a person who is forced to leave their country and cannot return because of persecution or a fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Every year, a small number of refugees are admitted to the U.S. and assisted with resettlement. The U.S. government has developed procedures for applying for refugee status overseas or asylum in the U.S.

The President (in consultation with Congress) sets refugee admission levels and allocates regional numbers for the upcoming fiscal year, based on the humanitarian concerns and national interests of the U.S.

Their refugee status is indefinite; however, refugees are required by law to apply for their permanent residency (green card) one year after arriving in the U.S. Once permanent residents, refugees will need to meet the same eligibility requirements for citizenship as anyone else with a green card. For refugees, it is crucial that they become U.S. citizens, as they are often unable to return to their native country. The IRC in San Diego’s Immigration department has helped 800 refugees and immigrants naturalize in the past year.

EE: When refugees arrive in the U.S., what services are they offered through the IRC?

SP: The IRC supports newly arrived refugees by providing immediate aid, including food and shelter. Through a network of staff members and volunteers we provide access to the tools of self-reliance: housing, job placement and employment skills, clothing, medical attention, education, English-language and financial literacy classes and community orientation. Each resettlement office serves as a free, one-stop center for refugees’ needs during their pivotal first months in the U.S.

To check out the IRC in San Diego’s programs visit: www.theIRC.org/sandiego

EE: How long is the IRC involved in resettling a refugee?

SP: Per our contract with the federal government, the resettlement department provides intensive services for at least 8 months from the refugee’s arrival date. However, we make ourselves available long after the first 8 months; we’ve had clients come in years after they’ve been resettled and we always do our best to help them.

EE: What would you say are the biggest obstacles facing refugees and their family as they transition into resettlement?

SP: For some of our clients, language is the biggest obstacle. Without English skills they find it difficult to read mail, pay their bills, order food, and to find a job. Almost every aspect of life can be hindered by a lack of English skills. For clients with English skills, adjusting to life away from their home can be a big obstacle. Our clients have left everything they have behind; personal belongings, family, friends, a house, and a career. Starting from scratch is a challenge.

Michelle Obama tours the IRC's New Roots Community Farm in San Diego with Bilali Muya (right), a refugee from Somalia, and Muya's friend Khadija Musame. (Photo: Mike Blake/Reuters)

EE: The IRC New Roots Community Farm, which opened in the summer of 2009, got a visit from Michelle Obama in April – a big honor for San Diego. Where did the original idea for the garden come from initially? How can refugees go about getting a plot of land in the space?

Amy Lint: The IRC Microenterprise Department had started to support clients in food business opportunities, but we were also looking to expand that by providing health and nutritional support. There is an overwhelming increase in obesity, high cholesterol and diabetes as families move to the U.S. After consulting with one of our newly arrived refugee groups, the Somali Bantu, they shared that their way of life revolved around growing food. With their input, the IRC staff looked for a way that these families could grow food again close to where they lived. We found the biggest plot of land within walking distance and petitioned the city to use the land for a community garden. Currently, the 80 garden spaces are filled, but we have started a waiting list for those who are interested. When there is an available plot or another garden started those people will be contacted.

EE: Is the land on which the Community Farm exists city-owned? If so, will the garden be permanent?

Amy Lint: The IRC New Roots Community Farm is located on city owned property. IRC has a 3 year use agreement and hopes to negotiate a 5-10 year lease so as to continue growing food on the land and being a benefit for the entire community.

EE: How can I or anyone help the IRC’s efforts and make the biggest impact possible?

SP: There are many ways to help the IRC’s efforts. If you’d like to give your time, there are various volunteer opportunities available in all of our departments, from working on our community farm to helping an adult refugee learn English. We also take donations for our families, mainly household items and toiletries.

If you’re interested in our volunteer opportunities you can contact Gabriel Davis at Gabriel.Davis@theIRC.org

If you have items you’d like to donate, you can contact Sneha Patel at Sneha.Patel@theIRC.org