Critical Resources for Urban Refugees in Bangkok

Project Report | Aug 1, 2022
Finding glimpses of hope in uncertain times

By Tim Hupe | Director and Co-founder

We want to introduce you to a family, a relationship we've had the priviledge of developing for a year now.

Our friends come from Sri Lanka and have been living in Bangkok since 2009—exchanging one traumatic experience for another. Civil war forced their family to flee their country and go to Thailand.

"When I was in Sri Lanka, I faced many problems with civil war in my hometown."

Like many refugee families who come to Bangkok, they submitted their application for refugee status only to be rejected—leaving them unable to return home and no hope for getting resettled.

"We applied for refugee status in 2009. Unfortunately, we were rejected in 2011. We tried through many churches, humanitarian organizations, and humanitarian people too, to sponsor us or resettle us in another country but we didn't get any favorable responses."

Immersing themselves in Thai culture for the last 10-years, the family has had to live on survival mode—depending on the generosity of others to survive. The parents receive some financial support for their son's tuition and help out at the school, allowing them to enroll their daughter too.

It's uncertain what the future holds for our friends who still hope to one day get resettled, but they are at least finding comfort in knowing they are not alone.

"Sometimes God listen to our prayer then send help like sister Mina and Creative Life Foundation. Before we don't kow about them. This is one of the hope for us."

Since expanding the ways Creative Life Foundation supports urban refugees in 2021, Mina, CLF's project leader, has made around 200 food deliveries to 43 refugee families—140 individuals. She has distributed educational materials to 52 children, and supports 1 family with supplemental income every month.

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Apr 1, 2022
Refugee Support Update #3

By Tim Hupe | Director and Co-Founder

Hello friends,

First, let me share some words of gratitude with you.

“ Your kind donation has made a huge impact in our life especially during this hard time. Our family is so thankful for the food donation as well as education material for kids. Thank you again for your kind help.”

“My family thanks you for your help. We are so thankful for the food you donate. I am especially thankful for the books and paint colours that you gave me. I use the books and the colors everyday. Thank you so much.“

“Thank you for helping our community during this difficult time. We are so thankful that you bring so many different food for us! We are also very grateful for all the nice school materials you brought for students as well.“

Thank you to everyone who has already responded so generously to our request.

Last year, with much of your support, we were able to expand the ways we support urban refugees and asylum seekers in Bangkok, Thailand.

The contributions we received last year have been making a difference:

In response to families who stress over whether or not they will have enough food, CLF is now making monthly food deliveries to 43 families.
In response to families experiencing isolation and hopelessness that exacerbate risks of exploitation, Mina, CLF's Program Leader, is connecting with individuals weekly, averaging over 125 encounters a month.
In response to refugee children and youth who can't access education and experience learning deficits and knowledge gaps, CLF has begun distributing individualized education resources for 52 children and youth. Additionally, Mina has begun receiving book donations so that kids can check out books on the days she makes food deliveries.
Families who receive support come from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.

The reality is, we need monthly donors who can help sustain our services. It costs $600 (20,000THB) a month to provide 43 families with food and other essentials (rice, flour, pasta, oil, eggs, vegetables, and fruit)

The good news is, we only need 12 people who can commit to $50 a month to make this possible. If you give through our page on GlobalGiving, donors who set up a new monthly donation will have their first donation of up to $200 matched at 100%!

If $50 isn't doable, maybe you can commit to $15, $20, or $25? There is no such thing as too little!

Thank you,

Team CLF

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Dec 1, 2021
Refugee Support Update #2

By Tim Hupe | Director

Dear Friends,

You will be please to know that since the launch of our campaign, we have done A LOT with the limited resources we have!

Since our last update, we have increased the number of families we serve to 40 families, over 100 people. With your support, we are providing monthly food deliveries that include hygienic items too. Whenever Mina, our program leader, shows up at one of the three pickup destinations, she is greeted with smiles and gratitude, but the reality is there is still so much need.

This is the challenge we face every day, the inability to meet every need. Recently, Creative Life Foundation was awarded a small grant that will help. Mina will begin delivering bags filled with age-appropriate learning materials to 20 children and youth this month (December 2021) -kids who are of school age but are unable to attend school

Here is a quick overview of what we have done since May

up to 40 families receive food and other essentials monthly
140 members benefiting
250+ encounters
1 family receiving supplemental income
20 children and youth receive education materials (in December)
Families who receive support come from Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Sri Lanka.

As you know, long-term change requires a long-term commitment. With that, I have some exciting news. Thanks to GlobalGiving, new monthly donations (up to $200) started between December 13 and December 17, 2021 will have their first donation MATCHED 200% -Talk about a bang for your buck!

Monthly donations are very helpful for planning, especially as we finalize our 2022 budget. Consider your monthly donation like a subscription to Netflix or Spotify, except this monthly bill, is helping refugees with food, community, and education resources for children and youth!

With much gratitude,

Team CLF

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