A Beacon of Hope Amidst Uncertainty

Helena, Montana

At Hands On Global, we are deeply moved and saddened as we face some of our most difficult challenges to date. The recent suspension of the Refugee Resettlement program and the cutting off of all funding for asylum seekers has left us devastated. The very people who have been fully vetted, with their applications carefully reviewed, now face a future of uncertainty and hardship. It’s hard to find the words to describe the pain we feel knowing the life-threatening circumstances that drive people to become refugees, only to have their futures darkened even further.

Yet, even in the darkest of times, there is hope. And that hope is found in our new partnership with the veterans’ organization, No One Left Behind. Together, we stand united in our unwavering determination to help those who stood beside our troops in Afghanistan—people who risked everything, including their lives and the safety of their families, to help during U.S. military operations. These brave individuals hold Special Immigration Visas (SIVs), offering a pathway to permanent residency in the United States, yet they find themselves stranded in dangerous camps in Qatar and Pakistan, unable to return to Afghanistan without risking certain death.

The stakes have never been higher. As we face the terrifying possibility of a travel ban that could revoke their visas, the urgency of our mission intensifies. Through our collaboration with No One Left Behind, we’ve already been able to welcome two incredible families into our community. And with just days of notice, we are preparing to welcome another family soon.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, HARRT has continued to persevere. Without funding, our team has come together in a powerful show of solidarity, donating countless volunteer hours to ensure that our new families receive the support they so desperately need. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment where they can begin to build a new life, free from the fears they’ve left behind.

The Helena community has been a beacon of hope for these families, offering a warm welcome through donations of furniture, household items, and most importantly, time. These acts of kindness have already made a profound impact, helping these newcomers take their first steps toward a brighter future.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, a recent Go Fund Me campaign has allowed us to hire case managers who are helping families navigate the complex process of obtaining benefits, registering for ESL classes, enrolling children in school, searching for jobs, and connecting to the broader community.

The road ahead will not be easy, but we are committed to standing by these families for as long as it takes—guiding them as they move towards independence and become contributing members of our community.

To everyone in Helena who has supported HARRT in this journey—THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. Your compassion and generosity mean the world to these families who, in many ways, have lost everything. Together, we are showing them that there is hope, that there is love, and that there is a future where they can thrive.

HARRT will not give up on them, and with your continued support, we will make sure they never have to face these challenges alone.

Thank you for supporting Hands On Global’s humanitarian work. There is so much need at times it feels overwhelming. Our team is small but one of action and with your help we continue to work “hand to hand and heart to heart”.

Thank you,
Valerie Hellermann, Executive Director

Contact Valerie for more information: [email protected]