Just Peace 2026: Haitian Support Center

“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love them as yourself.”  Leviticus 19:34

Dear Members and Friends of First Congregational Church,

 The Mission & Outreach team is announcing the first of our three annual special offerings, with 100% of your donations going directly to a nonprofit organization. This year’s Just Peace offering will support the Haitian Support Center in Springfield, Ohio.

 The Haitian Support Center was established in 2023 to help refugees and immigrants, particularly Haitian nationals, build new lives in Springfield, Ohio. The Center helps newcomers with housing applications, employment opportunities, legal matters, and language barriers, supporting them as they become self-sufficient members of the community. For many, the Center is more than just a building. It is a vital piece of civic infrastructure, created by and for Haitian immigrants and other refugees at a time when public institutions often struggle to keep pace with community needs. When public systems become strained or unpredictable, trusted grassroots, immigrant-led organizations help hold communities together and become the place people turn to for support, guidance, and stability.

Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, more than 300,000 Haitians were granted Temporary Protected Status. When approximately 12,000 to 15,000 Haitians settled in Springfield, Ohio, the city was experiencing decades of population decline. They helped fill critical labor shortages in manufacturing, warehousing, and service industries. They opened grocery stores and restaurants, renovated buildings, and contributed to the local and state tax base, helping to revitalize the local economy. However, the current administration revoked Temporary Protected Status for Haitians living in the U.S. in July of this year. “The Supreme Court decision is not just a tragedy for Haitians; it’s a tragedy for Springfield, Ohio,” said Rev. Carl Ruby, pastor of Central Christian Church. “We went from being one of the fastest-shrinking cities to one of the fastest-growing cities in America. This undoes all that progress.”

In response, the Haitian Support Center must help community members navigate rapidly changing immigration policies as families increasingly turn to it for guidance and support. The Center also requires additional funding as it works alongside local faith-based and advocacy organizations to provide rent assistance, food and meal deliveries, transportation, and medical support for community members who have lost income and, in many cases, are afraid to leave their homes. At the same time, many residents have stepped forward to support their Haitian neighbors. Some are making plans to care for U.S. born children whose parents may face detention or deportation. In contrast, others have offered shelter and assistance to immigrants who remain in the community.

Our goal is to reach $8,000 to help sustain their urgent work. To contribute, please note “Haitian Support Center” in the memo line of your check or with your Venmo or electronic donation. You may also use the “JUST PEACE” envelopes available in the pews during church services.  For more information on this organization, please visit their website: https://haitiansupportcenter.org.

Thank you for your generosity and responding to the Gospel’s summons to help and care for strangers among us in such a tangible way. Your contribution is deeply appreciated.

In faith and solidarity, The Mission & Outreach team:  Karen Bellacosa, Rev. Will Burhans, Carrie Ehrbar, John Keeley, Marisa Lafferty, Petra Sansom & Jenny Uzdavinis