Uniting for Ukraine

The Biden administration has set up a program called Uniting for Ukraine to allow for up to 100,000 people fleeing Ukraine to come to the U.S. with the support of a sponsor. To be eligible, they must have been in Ukraine as of Feb 11, be fully vaccinated, and pass security checks. At that time they can […]

In Support of Ukrainian Refugees

We at Open Doors for Refugees express our horror at the unnecessary and vicious war in Ukraine. We support a peaceful solution to the crisis and stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and with Russians protesting the war. We salute the hospitality and generosity of people in Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania, Russia, Belarus, […]

Freeze for Food – A Big Success

After a COVID year of running virtually, over 360 runners, joggers and walkers, accompanied by toddlers, dogs and cheering fans, turned out for a day of unusual weather and a successful fundraising event in Vilas Park, Madison. For the sixth consecutive year, Freeze for Food Walk/Run sponsors and the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison […]

Bird Watching at Tenney Park

This Sunday, we had families join us to go bird watching at Tenney Park! The weather was absolutely beautiful with an afternoon sun and clear skies. We first walked along the river where we saw Mallards and Canadian Geese. Some Mallards even came up onto the bank to greet us. The kids loved it and […]

Grassroots Resettlement in Scandinavia

Our own Dr. Sallie Anna Steiner hosts this panel to discuss the efforts made by Norwegian and Swedish citizens to welcome asylum seekers. This continues amidst a backdrop where covid restrictions and European militarization at the borders increasingly reduce legal migration in these countries.

Gift Cards from the Lodi United Methodist Church

This is a welcome sight! As part of their 2021 Giving Tree Program, members of the Lodi United Methodist Church recently sent us 25 $25 cards gift cards from Walmart, Target, and Woodman’s.  These will all go directly to refugees. As part of our Home Supply program, in addition to a set of cleaning and paper […]

Freeze for Food 2022

On March 5th, 2022, join hundreds of others in an outdoor walk/run to raise money for refugees and food security. Learn more at https://www.rpcvmadison.org/cpages/freeze-for-food. There is a 5k and a 10k race. Both start at the Vilas Park Shelter, 1602 Vilas Park Dr., Madison, WI 53715. You may register now for early bird pricing at […]

Winter Clothing Donation Drive

What Clothing is Needed Toddler and baby winter clothing. (warm onesies) Child and adult winter clothing. (sweatshirts, sweatpants, long sleeve shirts, winter coats) Child and adult winter boots and athletic style shoes. Gloves and winter hats. All donations must be new or like new! Where You Can Donate From November 14th to the 28th at […]

A New and Spacious Apartment

Today a crack team of Open Doors and JSS volunteers set up our 56th apartment – one of the most beautiful and spacious we’ve ever managed.  This apartment is for one of the new Afghan families: a couple with four children ages 9, 6, 4 and 2. They were moved from Fort McCoy to Madison so […]

On the Crisis in Haiti and Our Border

Open Doors for Refugees stands with Haitian migrants and supports their right to seek asylum in the United States. In accordance with human rights laws and protocol, we expect our government to treat these Haitian asylum seekers with respect and dignity. Instead, thousands have been deported back to Haiti, where resources and humanitarian aid are […]