Volunteer Opportunities

You may have heard that the administration is closing the ICE office in Eugene. As of June 1, all immigrants must travel to Portland to comply with requirements for mandatory check-ins and court hearings. If they miss their appointment, they’ll be put on the list to be deported.

The stakes are high. There are currently just a few volunteers transporting and accompanying people to ICE, and we anticipate the move to Portland will cause a spike in numbers. Local migrants desperately need people to take them to Portland for ICE check-ins and federal court hearings.

We’re thinking of a team of two volunteers for each trip; one driver and one partner who ideally speaks the language of the clients (usually Spanish), or who could share driving. Appointments in Portland are almost always on weekdays and in the morning (it’s perfect for retirees!). Volunteers will sit with the family during the hearing; one will take notes and the other will just be generally supportive. Often it’s an early morning appointment, so the timing could be around 5:30 a.m. to noon.

To do this work, 2.5 hours of training are required, and the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice (IMIRJ) in Portland is willing to conduct that for us as soon as possible. They ask for a 3-month commitment following the training.

If you would like to participate in this program, please contact Pastor Zane or Pastor Renee in the Office.

We know hundreds of community folks who don’t have enough to eat. As a result, volunteers of our Interfaith Food Hub meet weekly to prepare sack lunches.

Have you considered helping us prepare these lunches? If you’re interested, please call Patty Osborne at 541-953-5547 or Verna Tjemsland at 541-255-5788.