Opportunities at the Viator House

As a teenager, Lewis fled his West African homeland for the U.S. after being beaten and jailed for protesting against his government. His family helped him fly to South America, where he began a dangerous journey by foot, bus and boat to the U.S./Mexico border. There, as a 17-year-old so far from home, he asked for asylum.

Last month, about two years later, Lewis made a much more hopeful journey when he drove his car to his new apartment in Mount Prospect.  Alot has changed since his long journey from home. Since arriving in the U.S., Lewis has graduated high school and started college, while also working at a local hospital. Most importantly, he won his asylum case and now has the right to become a citizen.

What made the difference? Viator House of Hospitality, a home for young men seeking asylum in our nation where they can work, go to school and practice their faith while they await their legal proceedings. It was at Viator House where Lewis found the support and guidance he needed to let his talents and dreams flourish.

Thank you, St. Joseph Community, for supporting Viator House this last year. In January we celebrated our fifth birthday. Since opening in 2017, we have been home to  89 young men from 21 nations who escaped horrific danger to seek safety in our nation. Right now  20 men from 11 nations, including four young Afghan men who escaped as Kabul collapsed, call Viator House home. As part of our mission, Viator House has also reunited  30 young men with family members in the U.S. so they can live with loved-ones while they await their legal proceedings.

God works miracles in these men's lives only because of people like you. We currently partner with 18 other churches, mosques and synagogues to accompany these men, who show us daily that they are gifts to our nation. Like we ask those communities, please keep us in your weekly prayers. If you'd like to volunteer as a tutor or house assistant, please contact our volunteer coordinator Beth Linnen at  [email protected]. If you'd like to learn more about Viator House and how our asylum system treats children seeking refuge in our nation, please visit our website  here or subscribe to our podcast series  here on Spotify.