Baltimore City is an extraordinarily dangerous city in which to place newly arriving immigrants who don't speak English and don't know the risks.
March 18, 2022, I sat with two Afghan men completing job applications in Cockeysville. The very welcoming employer chatted with them in a common language, as the applications were completed, and stated that the jobs would require arrival at the workplace at 5:00 a.m. Without private transportation, and without Light Rail service out of Baltimore City at 3:00 a.m., this is dangerously impractical.
Even if transportation were available, walking Baltimore neighborhoods at 3:00 a.m. to get to work eight miles away is extraordinarily dangerous.
According to the WMAR Police Tracker, January, 2022, was the most dangerous January in Baltimore since the 1970s, with 36 homicides and 49 non fatal shootings reported to the police.
According to the Feb 18, 2022, Baltimore Sun, a man was shot in his car, at 4:00 p.m., while driving on the very street two blocks from where Afghan families already have been relocated in Baltimore City.
Two other immigrant friends of mine, who lived for three years in that same neighborhood considered it so dangerous they would not go out after dark. On one occasion they observed a corpse on the street near their residence.
There's housing available in Cockeysville Maryland. On March 18th 2020, I was informed that a company that manages a number of apartment complexes, 14 two- and three-bedroom apartments are available now. There are probably a dozen or more apartment complex management companies in Cockeysville alone.
Permit me to recommend two preliminary but necessary steps before placing immigrant families in Baltimore City. The first step is to inform the families of the risks. Passing along this information would seem to comply with the objective of Luminus to empower immigrants.
The next step would be to tap funds already appropriated for the relocation of Afghan immigrants in Maryland and possibly to supplement government sources of funding by raising money to cover the cost of providing safe and secure housing - rather than placement in so-called low income housing, which could lead to somebody's serious injury or death.
Locating funds seems from every perspective to be a preferable challenge, than the challenge of placing people in sketchy neighborhoods where the rents are cheaper.
The risk of death or injury to a father of three or of five children, trying to get to work, is a circumstance that must be avoided at all costs.
Richard Cook
Maryland
Hands down the most rewarding and meaningful volunteer experiences which I have ever had. The opportunities offered here to get involved with and help your community has been amazing and it is incredible to see some of the real world effects that volunteering can have. I am amazed by the quality and quantity of services which are provided for those who need help and the attentiveness and generosity of the employees who provide it. I cannot think of any other organization which offers so much and such high quality outreach. -
I am very thankful to be an intern at Luminus. Although I've only been working since September, I can say with full confidence that all of the staff has been so welcoming, understanding and dedicated to our cause of helping new Americans navigate the processes of immigration and settlement. My work as an intern entails writing articles for our newsletter, conducting interviews, researching policy, and writing drafts for testimonies. I am passionate about helping immigrants and making a positive impact, and Luminus gives me the opportunity to do so and learn more about policy in the process.
As a volunteer at Luminus, I am blown away by how many services they provide for New Americans in need.Paid and volunteer staff have huge hearts--treating clients with compassion and respect. While their goals are ambitious, they seem to be always looking for ways that they can provide better services fit to the unique needs of each client. From basic provision of food, housing and clothes, legal services and helping folks get and retain jobs--the many ways they help is beyond outstanding!
As a Luminus intern, I have gathered information and created a PowerPoint presentation for advocacy, with the focus of supporting Afghan refugees who are parolees with limited access to government assistance or other resources. Luminus is playing an important role in helping immigrant communities afford housing by providing them with assistance, including federal eviction prevention support. Economically, immigrants and people of color are also disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic which includes liveable wage employment and affordable childcare. Through this significant internship experience with Luminus, I am learning the value of perseverance and dedication, and the importance of listening and being exposed to new ideas.
Esta pequena nota es para agradecer a la organizacion Luminus por su apoyo a nuestra comunidad y sobre todo a mi familia.
La Sra. Natalie fue un gran apoyo en un momento muy complicado para nosotros, nos hizo sentir su apoyo incondicional. Ellos trabajaron extraordinariamte para ayudar a mi familia por lo cual estaere eternamente agradecida.
Paula Madde
I am a part of another person's journey. I help to provide meaning to an endeavor many call America. There' great satisfaction in that.
Julia Lawrence, ESOL Volunteer
My time volunteering with Luminus was some of the most meaningful and rewarding work that I have ever been a part of in my community. Seeing the impact that their staff and other volunteers had on individuals and families was enlightening. Living in and contributing to a new culture has specific challenges that Luminus is uniquely qualified to handle. I refer people in my network to Luminus all the time for their services as well as for support because I have seen the difference they can make.
My time as a volunteer at Luminus has been so rewarding, it is difficult to even put into words. The staff is so welcoming and compassionate; those we help are appreciative and well deserving; and the organization is grounded within the community. From legal services to a food pantry, Luminus helps so many different people, from all walks of life, and I am so grateful to be a part of their work in any way I can.
I can't put into words how thankful I am for Luminus. They have given me and my family such peace of mind and serious help when I needed it most. Anna, you are an absolute rockstar. Anna was super responsive and made sure to answer ALL of my questions. She made the process super easy. And Natalie, you consistently followed up and were very patient when I had questions and concerns. You never failed to put me at ease. Thank you so much.
I had a great experience getting help with my rent relief. From the beginning the staff was very helpful in making sure I gave them everything that was needed for my application. They were honest about how long it could take and always confirmed when I sent them something for my file that they had received it. I received a call when I was approved and received a call when the payment was given to the rental office and was sent a confirmation of the contract between my rental office and this company. I would definitely recommend them.
I did not know how I was going to keep a roof over my head for my family when my leasing agent Chris, from my rental property mentioned Luminus organization and to give them a call. I did just that and they were able to assist with my rent tremendously. The steps and process to verify if you are eligible are easy to follow. The people appointed to my case Natalie and several others, were very prompt, professional and willing to help. I found this to be quite amazing. I wish that this organization would be in an advertisement for Howard County, because there are people in need. This organization was a great lifeline for me and my family and hope others reach out for help.