Emergency Winter Aid
In our estimation, between 800 and 1,000 single Egyptian men are experiencing poverty in Nashville. Their reasons for coming are mixed. Some are fleeing persecution in Egypt because of their Christian faith. Others are escaping dire poverty and crushing discrimination. All are looking for tolerance, opportunity and the right to live freely. According to U.S. law, they must file for asylum and await approval in order to begin their lives anew. Until their applications are approved, they aren’t able to work or buy their basic living essentials. Most of them have one set of clothes and sandals to wear and no money to buy suitable coats, hats, gloves or shoes for the winter. Without any expendable income, they’re suffering badly and we are working against time to get them warm coats, shirts and bedding before winter sets in. The Coptic churches in Nashville are supporting these new arrivals but it is a strain on the parishes. We’re raising funds, mobilizing volunteers and moving goods quickly to make sure that each of them survives the next few months so that he may finally live in a country where he can be free.
