Welcoming Refugees

Imagine being uprooted and only being able take a single suitcase filled with all your belongings. That is the common story of many refugees. BelPres understands the present refugee crisis as a part of God’s mission to heal his broken world. That’s why we are dedicated to warmly welcoming, serving, and loving refugees arriving in the Seattle area, in the same way Jesus loved us. This is our opportunity to further God’s kingdom in the lives of those that are unrooted, unsettled and alone.

Refugees arrive from all over the world. Recently, we have welcomed families from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Syria, and the Ukraine.

Fawn’s Story

Long time BelPres congregants and real estate developers, Fawn and her son, Ben, felt moved to use their resources to serve the kingdom of God. In August 2021, they turned an empty home into an opportunity to welcome in a family that needed a home. Watch how their openness to listen to opportunity has provided for hundreds of refugee families a warm and loving welcome to the United States in a safe transitional home.

Ways to Welcome Refugees

BelPres partners with World Relief to help refugee families rebuild their lives in their new surroundings. Currently, BelPres is committed to supporting refugee families as they arrive to one of five temporary homes in Ballard (generously provided by a BelPres congregant, see above video for her story). The families stay from one week, up to one month until World Relief places them in their permanent home. We feel called as a congregation to support the work already forged by someone in our church. New volunteers will be led by a refugee team member.


Click “I Want to Serve” button below to help in any of the following ways:

  1. set up new homes

    Serve on a house prep team to set up a home for a family’s arrival.

  2. welcome the family

    Connect with a refugee family by helping them explore and connect their new neighborhood.

  3. Supplies for the Homes

    Purchase hygiene and household items from the Amazon needs list for homes.

Learn More About Refugees

““I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me.””
—  Matthew 25:35

Have Questions?

If you have questions or would like to discuss this ministry with our team, we would love to talk further with you. Email us at refugees@belpres.org.