While World Relief Chicago (WRC ) provides the apartment and beds and dresser, all other items including initial food for their fridge and pantry need to be provided by volunteers. View the complete good neighbor kit list.

In addition, the apartment should be cleaned and set up prior to the refugee’s arrival. WRC will provide a key to the apartment for you to clean and setup with the items you prepared beforehand.

Typically, there will be only a few days from when you are notified of the refugee’s arrival until they arrive. Because the list of items to collect is extensive, it is best to start collecting these items (except for the food) beforehand. While many of us feel compelled to go to a store and get nice, matching furnishings, this is discouraged since it can become very expensive and may give the impression you have unlimited funds. Due to the transient nature of refugees, things can easily be left behind when moving from place to place.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is my level of commitment?

All of the commitment at this level is done prior to the refugees’ arrival. Collecting items will take numerous hours, but can be done on your own time and over various weeks/months. Cleaning the apartment can be done in an evening, especially if you have the help a group of people.

If you can purchase most items at garage sales, expect to spend around $300. If you purchase more items at regular stores, it will be significantly more expensive. Ideally, your circle of friends or small group could donate many of the items. Plan on several hours of cleaning and setting up the apartment.

• What’s my next step to provide a “good neighbor kit” and how soon might I be contacted?

Connect with WRC to let them know you are committed to providing a good neighbor kit. Due to political and other reasons, refugees often come to America in groups so there is no way to exactly predict when you may be assigned one. It could be many months or fairly soon. Often times, when a large group comes, WRC has to scramble to get them assigned a family so it’s best to have completed the application completed.

• How will I know when I get a refugee and what if it’s bad timing?

After you have completed your application you are put on a waiting list. When a refugee receives clearance, you’ll be notified. Often times there are only several days notice before they arrive. If there are circumstances that don’t allow you to provide a refugee at that time, you can pass on that opportunity and the next friend volunteer can be contacted.

• Is this a good project for a small group?

Yes – this works great with a small group or with a family. You’ll certainly want to rely on your circle of friends for assistance in donation of articles. Families with small kids often find it an adventure to collect the various items on the list.

• Can I connect with the refugee family once they arrive?

Often times, those that provide the good neighbor kit also friend their refugee to help establish ongoing relationship with them. Read more about friending a refugee.

View ways that you can help Beyond The Walls.