Freedom House Detroit

Freedom House Detroit (FHD) exists to help survivors of persecution, torture, upheaval, and natural disaster secure a humanitarian protection and a path to independence and safety. By definition, our clients cannot return home. But the perilous and heart-wrenching decision to leave behind their homes, families, and livelihoods brings a new set of life-threatening problems. In the US, they are cut off from the support of family and friends, ineligible for mainstream benefits and employment, and isolated by their dissimilar languages and cultures. 

FHD provides a safe home, a community environment, and a spectrum of critical and integrated services delivered with a trauma-informed approach. Clients receive life affirming basic needs (safe housing, water, food, clothing, and hygiene items), legal aid to assist them with their case for protection; medical and mental health care access to address trauma from their experiences and current health needs; employment coaching delivered through an acculturative lens; and housing literacy to help them transition to independent housing.

While it typically takes years for the US immigration system to issue a grant of protection, on average, over 85% of FHD’s clients exit with jobs and move into independent housing.