November 28, 2023
Contact: media@haitianbridge.org

San Diego, California – The Haitian Bridge Alliance, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for migrants and asylum seekers, took part in a heartwarming Thanksgiving initiative, providing a special meal and a sense of community to over 600 newly arrived asylum seekers from diverse corners of the globe.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Haitian Bridge Alliance hosted a special event in San Diego where volunteers and staff came together to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for those seeking refuge in the United States. The event, made possible through the generosity of HBA’s team and community support, showcased the spirit of serving with compassion, dignity, love, respect and unity that defines the organization’s mission.

“We recognize that many of the asylum seekers have faced unimaginable challenges and hardships on their journey to find safety and refuge. Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude and compassion, and we are honored to be able to extend a helping hand to those in need,” said Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance.

“This is beyond what we expected” said a group of men from Afghanistan “This has been a very dangerous journey for us, to be welcomed with such love really means a lot to us and we will never forget this act of generosity.”

‘“Is this Fufu and Gumbo (Okra)?” exclaimed a man from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). “I have not eaten anything familiar since I escaped my home country. This really nourishes my body and my soul. Thank you for feeding us.”

“Thank you, thank you, that’s all I can say. I honestly did not expecting such a warm welcome and delicious food” said a woman from China.

“One more Fanta drink please” asked a woman from Cameroon. “This is really good, thank you for taking care of us immigrants. Wow, thank you.”

“God bless you all for this great meal, but what exactly is Thanksgiving?” said a man from Mauritania. 

The event featured a feast cooked by our amazing team led by Madame Josianne Valsaint and was culturally sensitive to accommodate the diverse backgrounds of the attendees. Volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, ensuring that everyone felt valued and welcomed during the holiday season.

The Haitian Bridge Alliance remains committed to its mission of providing critical support to asylum seekers and migrants, advocating for their rights, and fostering a sense of community. The organization extends its gratitude to all the volunteers, partners, and community members who contributed to making this Thanksgiving event a success.