The Massachusetts Council of Churches has a long history of support for new immigrant neighbors. Our commitment even precedes our founding in 1902, through our predecessor bodies that provided direct services of pastoral care, feeding, counseling, literacy education, and housing to immigrant laborers. Support of, and ministry with immigrants is central to our Christian conviction to love and welcome the stranger.
On this page, you can find three distinct ways to be involved:
On February 11, 2025, the Massachusetts Council of Churches joined joined over two dozen Christian and Jewish institutions and the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection in opposition to the federal government’s rescission of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s sensitive locations policy, which violates the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, protecting our places of worship.
The Massachusetts Council of Churches Board of Directors and many Heads of Church expressed our shared commitment to stand with the sanctity of our churches and the dignity of God’s people. Together, we oppose the Department of Homeland Security’s recision of “sensitive spaces,” allowing ICE and CBP to enter churches, hospitals, schools and domestic violence shelters.
“Churches are houses of prayer for all people, as the Prophet Isaiah proclaims. These houses of prayer for all people are, and must remain, places where all people can gather without fear, intimidation, or threat of violence. All who gather in houses of worship must be able to do so freely, based on our American values and the free exercise of religion.
As Church leaders across Massachusetts, we invite each and every one of our pastors and congregational leaders who wishes to attend trainings to know their rights and protect their people.
At the Massachusetts Council of Churches we know that many people in many congregations feel a deep need to do something – anything! – to help their immigrant neighbors during these hostile & perilous times. Figuring out how to do this, however, can be daunting.
Time and again we’ve heard the same anguished question: How can we offer our gifts right now? We want to help but what should we do? Can you help us get involved?
The good news is that we can. Thanks be to God, there are many networks and organizations doing extraordinary, vital, and deep-reaching work with, through and for local immigrant communities across the Commonwealth. Below are a small sampling of these, focusing largely on Boston and the Metro West Area, Chelsea and New Bedford, though some organizations, like BIJAN serve all of Massachusetts. We are working on building out this network step by step. Please be patient as we expand in Central and Western Mass.
Every one of these organizations and networks is well known and deeply admired by the Massachusetts Council of Churches. It is our hope that a group from your faith community will connect with the one that is closest to you and start the transformative process of gathering your people and stepping up in whatever small, real way is best for you. We outline multiple, specific ways to get involved in each – both as volunteers and fundraisers. Take a look and find the best, most local fit for you:
For over 35 years, La Colaborativa has supported Latinx immigrants in Chelsea and throughout the Greater Boston are. They partner with the community to provide a wide range of resources to vulnerable community members, including newly arrived immigrants, undocumented families, non-English speakers, and low-income tenants and workers. Their many dedicated volunteers are the driving force behind their mission.
Volunteer opportunities at La Colaborativa include:
Donation opportunities at La Colaborativa include:
BIJAN is community network of faith communities, individuals and other activist groups who work to reduce the escalating harm of our immigration system. Among other things, they provide accompaniment, which includes support in court or at ICE check-ins; legal referrals; rides for families to visit loved ones in detention, and logistical assistance with paperwork or bond payments.
They also run a Bail Bond Fund which they use to release people from ICE prisons in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, or those detained elsewhere who are from or returning to MA.
Volunteer Opportunities at BIJAN include:
Attend an online volunteer training
Donation Opportunities at BIJAN Include:
IfSI helps newer immigrants navigate complex systems and empowers them to address their immediate and longer-term needs through person centered care, support and advocacy. Through their Family Welcome Center they ensure immigrants’ well-being by assessing each person’s situation individually and building a plan which includes referrals and provision of direct training, support and services.
Volunteer Opportunities at IFSI Include:
Financial donation opportunities at IFSI include:
Donation of in-kind goods:
The Brazilian Worker Center empowers immigrants with knowledge and skills to promote economic, social, political and racial justice for all. Through their Family Welcome Center they provide essential support for newly arrived immigrants including: Housing Assistance; Legal guidance on immigration processes and rights; distribution of food and essential items. They also co-ordinate, support and connect volunteer hosts with guest families in need of temporary housing.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:
Learn About Becoming a Host Family
Apply to Volunteer Today
In-Kind Donation Opportunities Include:
Humanity at Work is a newly created network of community organizations, faith groups, and other activists who have come together to provide help and support to New Bedford’s Immigrant Community. Here’s how you can get involved and help them help others:
The CEDC has worked with the immigrant community in New Bedford for over 25 years. They foster economic justice and well-being throughout the community through person-centered development and care. The CEDC offers a wide range of advocacy, support, and referral networks to help immigrants navigate health, education, employment, and legal systems. They run multiple support groups for women; connect youth and adults to skill building resources, and build community networks and collaborations to promote cooperative action for social change.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:
Donation Opportunities Include:
Stay connected with the movement for justice, unity, and faithful witness across Massachusetts.
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