Casa Alitas Agency description:
Since 2014, Casa Alitas, an affiliate of Catholic Community Services, has been providing aid to migrant families in Tucson, Arizona. The majority of our guests come from Central America and Mexico. They have been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol custody on humanitarian parole and need assistance in continuing their journey to reunite with family members in the United States. Casa Alitas provides hospitality and humanitarian aid to our guests by offering food, beds, basic amenities, legal orientation, and assistance making travel arrangements.
The Casa Alitas program relies heavily on its volunteers to operate the Casa Alitas Welcome Center and community shelters and care for guests.
Casa Alitas is:
Welcoming- Casa Alitas is often the first place where asylum seekers are welcomed and treated with dignity.
Hands on- Most of our work is done on the ground, working every day with new guests.
Humanizing-Casa Alitas treats everyone with respect after many have been through dehumanizing experiences.
Inclusive- Casa Alitas houses the Indigenous Languages office and works towards language justice.
Trauma informed- Although we are not a long-term facility, we strive to offer psychological first aid through the psychological support team.
Quotes:
“Casa Alitas is a space where regardless of language or culture, migrants and volunteers teach each other about resilience, kindness, and humanity." - Ali Hofer, Jesuit Volunteer 2017-2018
“Our family is very grateful for your hospitality. The great work that you’ve done for all immigrants we will always carry with us in our hearts. You are now part of our family.”- Asylum seeker
“Working at Casa Alitas has connected me to an incredible community of volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to serving and advocating for migrants. These connections have shown me the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and have made this time special and fulfilling!" - Ally Ramona, Jesuit Volunteer 2020-2021
The Casa Alitas Site/Volunteer Coordinator will:
Work with volunteers to facilitate and ensure immediate aid for migrant guests upon their arrival, and during their stay.
Oversee day to day tasks at shelter, manage and oversee the arrival and departure of all guests.
Work directly with migrant families to problem solve and offer quick solutions.
Work with long term guests to find alternative housing/ sponsor and community resources when necessary.
Effectively communicate changes to shelter systems and scheduling to volunteers, train volunteers on their roles.
The MVS volunteer will interact with many different people throughout the week, the primary being staff, volunteers, and guests. Casa Alitas is almost entirely volunteer based with just five staff members. The MVS volunteer will work each day on site with at least one “site lead” and will cross paths with many volunteers. Casa Alitas is a shelter that runs 24/7 and receives new guests almost every day, so the volunteer will interact with newly arrived asylum-seeking families daily as well. The site/ volunteer coordinator position is very fulfilling, as you are able to relate to and work with people on a very relational and intimate level. The position can be challenging as it can be emotionally draining to work with vulnerable populations, so self-care practices are essential.
Job Responsibilities:
At the Alitas shelter, the Coordinator is expected to:
Work with volunteers to facilitate immediate aid for migrant guests
Effectively communicate changes to shelter systems and scheduling to volunteers
Train volunteers on their role
Work with volunteers to find alternative housing for guests when necessary
In the community, the Coordinator is expected to:
Work on recruitment of volunteers for Alitas
Solicit donations and other needs from community members
Organize and meet with different volunteer groups focused on systems development
Participate in community outreach and advocacy activities on behalf of Alitas
Coordinators must also:
Work on creating and improving systems at the shelter for guests and volunteers
Communicate regularly with volunteers regarding program information, scheduling, training, or other topics as needed
Regularly meet with volunteers to share program information, discuss concerns and develop solutions
Maintain contact with ICE and Border Patrol and communicate any relevant information to Program Manager and/or Program Director
Maintain regular contact with Casa Alitas Program Manager and Program Director as to program activities and needed support
The needs of guests and volunteers vary by individual. All applicants need to be open minded and willing to take initiative, as well as cooperative team members. Applicants are also expected be at least 18 years of age; be fluent in Spanish at the intermediate level or above; have a valid driver’s license; and agree to completion of a background check for an Arizona Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance (the cost will be covered by Alitas).
