Volunteer with CASAN

CASAN is a volunteer-run non-profit based in Chittenden County that welcomes and supports people seeking asylum in northwest Vermont. Asylum seekers, unlike refugees, are not eligible for most forms of government assistance and cannot work until they reach a certain stage in their asylum process. Volunteers play a vital role in helping families meet their basic needs and feel part of our community.

We welcome volunteers with anywhere from 1 to 80 hours a month to give. There are many ways to get involved:

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• Join a support team to help a new community member find housing, coordinate transportation, access medical care, and meet other needs.

• Provide housing—spaces with some separation, such as “mother-in-law” apartments, are especially valuable.

• Offer transportation to appointments, shopping, or community events.

• Donate clothing or household goods to help families settle in.

• Provide social support—get to know a new community member, help them adjust, and offer friendship and connection.

• Offer organizational skills—support the CASAN board with fundraising, social media, website updates, or database work.

 

All volunteers working directly with asylum seekers are asked to complete a background check (paid for by CASAN). We ask everyone involved to treat the personal information of asylum seekers with care, confidentiality, and respect.

Thank you for helping to welcome asylum seekers to our Vermont community!