DASH Network houses our residents at the Historic Homes of Parker Commons in downtown Fort Worth. Food is provided from local food banks twice a month and supplemented by grocery volunteers. Grocery volunteers sponsor one apartment and either deliver or take seekers shopping to pick out fresh food.
Each seeker is paired with 1-2 advocates who meet together at least twice per month. The advocate-seeker relationship is a mutually giving relationship where volunteers and seekers learn about one another’s cultures and support one another through genuine friendship. Additionally, the DASH family gathers every Sunday evening at Parker Commons. These evenings are when they offer their THRIVE Academy classes. Guest Speakers come and speak on a variety of topics from health, to finances, to professional development based on the stated interests of our seekers. Some THRIVE nights include community building outings such as soccer games or movie nights.
DASH Network employs a part-time Case Worker– a former DASH
graduate herself, to assist their seekers with resource connections and community
referrals. Her services include coordinating medical appointments, referring to
community partners to find clothing and furniture, school and WIC registration,
etc.
Qualifications:
WHAT IS AN ASYLUM SEEKER?
“To be eligible for asylum status, an applicant must meet the definition of a refugee as outlined in the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol:
‘A person who is unable or unwilling to return to his or her country of nationality because of persecution… on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.’
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Have a lawyer representing your asylum case
Less than $1000 to cover expenses, and need housing
Have no work permit or have just received it within the last 6 months
HOUSING AND FOOD
Up to 24 asylum seekers housed at once
Up to 5 DASH apartments
Single women or women with children may be temporarily houses with host families.
An average asylum seeker stays in our program 1-2 years while waiting on their work permits.
98% are successfully launched into financial independence within 7 months after receiving their work permit.
An individual can apply for services online.