The Immanuel House Refugee Project
Est. 2015
OUR MISSION
To provide transitional housing to newly arrived refugees seeking freedom from persecution and the opportunity to thrive.
OUR VISION
A world where all people displaced by war and violence can find a safe and secure home.
We’re based on the following beliefs.
Once in the U.S., refugees seize the chance for a new beginning. They put down roots, attend school, get jobs, pay taxes and become productive members of their communities. They start businesses and make our communities more vibrant and diverse. Refugees share many of America’s values: courage, resilience, openness to new experiences, and the determination to rebuild their lives in a new land.
Our History
In 2011, the Immanuel Presbyterian Church in San Jose, California ended its 46 year ministry and closed its doors. The church’s unspent funds were donated to the Presbytery of San Jose as seed money for the purchase of a residence to provide transitional housing to both individual refugees as well as refugee families. A fundraising campaign was subsequently launched, and within two years sufficient monies were raised to complete the purchase of what is today Immanuel House.
The 1907 guesthouse underwent extensive remodeling which included new plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, a new roof and reconfiguring the home to include a living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms to accommodate up to 12 residents.
Immanuel House welcomed its first refugees in November 2015. The home includes six bedrooms, which can accommodate up to 12 residents, and a private apartment for the Residence Manager.
Immanuel House Refugee Project is run by our Board of Directors and does not have any paid employees.
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Martha Wills
Chairman of the Board
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Dan Ela
Vice Chairman
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Edd Breeden
Treasurer
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Jo Apel
Secretary
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Gordon Apel
Member at Large
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Karen Boncher
Member at Large
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Alice Gosak
Member at Large
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Tom Jenzen
Member at Large
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Celina McCaffrey
Member at Large
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Carolyn Rosen
Member at Large
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Claire Collins
Member at Large
Our Partners
The IRC provides opportunities for refugees to thrive in America. Forced to flee conflict or persecution, many refugees have survived for years against incredible odds. They step off the plane with next to nothing but their dignity, hope and determination.
Opened in 1979, the IRC in San Jose provides services for newly arrived refugees for their first three months in the United States. These services include assistance with housing, employment, benefits, health insurance, English classes, cultural orientation and referrals to internal and external support.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The Presbytery of San Jose serves 34 congregations located in Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties and has a long history of ministering to refugees by housing them in rental properties. The Presbytery of San Jose owns the Immanuel House property and leases it to the Immanuel House Refugee Project, Inc., a California nonprofit corporation. Although the house is owned by the Presbytery, it is a place of welcome and refuge for persons of all faiths, ethnicities and social groups.
Presbytery of San Jose
Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley (JFS SV)
Since 1978, JFS SV has changed the lives of people throughout our community. JFS SV provides a broad range of social services to help people thrive. The agency’s programs are available without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ability to pay.
Refugee and Immigrant Transitions creates education, family engagement, and community leadership opportunities for the San Francisco Bay Area’s refugee, immigrant and asylee communities. Tutors from Refugee and Immigrant Transitions provide English-language training at the house.
Refugee and Immigrant Transitions
The Santa Clara County Refugee and Immigrant Forum facilitates the successful integration of refugees and immigrants into local communities through collaboration, resource sharing and fostering community awareness. The forum meets monthly and is comprised of nearly 20 members from county and city governments, non-profit organizations, resettlement agencies, contracted providers and other community partners who are involved with issues involving the county refugee and immigrant population.