By Nathan Davis
DES
MOINES, Ia. — When I pulled up to Royal Oaks Apartments, regality was the last
thing on my mind. This complex, nestled in the heart of Des Moines, is home to
people who are more than just impoverished — it houses families who have
escaped the horrors of war and political persecution. As I watched children
play with one-wheeled bicycles and adults convene by a rusted picnic table full
of books from the Des Moines Public Library, I wondered how I could actually
make any lasting impact on these peoples’ lives.
I
had arrived to work with a small group of Iowans that helped Burmese refugees
and other members of the Royal Oaks community learn English, gather necessities
for their families and explore their faith through biblical passages. As I got
out of my car and approached several volunteers who were setting up plain white
tables that would soon hold snacks and beverages for the residents, I realized
how I was going to make a difference — by showing compassion and understanding
to my fellow human beings.
I
must admit that I knew almost nothing about the struggle of refugees before
this summer; acknowledging this fact made me realize that there must be other
Americans who know very little about these peoples’ plight. So I decided that
along with my time spent directly helping those less fortunate than myself, I
would also research the refugees’ lives.
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| Volunteers working with the International Rescue Committee lead a group of residents from Royal Oaks Apartments in sing-along Christian praise songs. (Contributed Photo) |
That’s
where we can help. The resettlement process starts with loans — big ones for
families who are far from guaranteed a steady income. The U.S. Government
covers refugees’ flights to the United States and the necessary fees to
initially obtain housing, but that comes at the price of loans that will
eventually repay most of these expenses.
“Depending
on the size of the family and how far the plane traveled, the bill can exceed
$10,000,” wrote Michael Matza in the Philidelphia Inquirer. “They must begin
reimbursing the federal government after five months, and pay in full within 42
months.”
These
loans require a quick turnaround for families who are not accustomed to our job
market, let alone our predominant language.
Volunteers
from my group help hire and act as financial counselors for these refugees to
ensure that they have a reasonable time and means to pay the loans. These same
people also assess what families need to stay healthy and actively search for
jobs. While some volunteers teach English or give lessons on job searching,
others often take individuals to the health clinic or local grocery store.
Refugee
families usually arrive with few possessions and often lack necessities like
cookware, silverware, adequate wardrobes (especially for Iowa winters), shoes —
and even beds. Last winter, volunteers led a huge effort to provide these
necessities for four families that had recently moved into Royal Oaks
Apartments. Every summer, volunteers hold a clothing drive to help families get
everything from snow boots to swim suits.
Despite
all of the efforts that these volunteers put forth to help refugee families, it
remains an uphill battle. And in that battle, there is one thing that means
more to these people than any amount of clothes or lessons that they have been
given — compassion. The fact that a group of strangers would dedicate their
time and money to help people less fortunate than themselves sends a strong
message to this community. It shows them that in times of war there is love, in
times of struggle there is help and that there are people who care about them
and want to help them live fulfilling lives. That message resonates in every
smiling child and grateful adult at Royal Oaks. While my first impression
didn’t leave me thinking of regality, my last impression has left me with
something much more satisfying.
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