Finding Home Through Community Sponsorship – Pedro & Beatriz's Story

💙 Everyone deserves a place to call home. Ahead of World Refugee Day, this video shares the story of Pedro, Beatriz, and their son, who came to Belgium seeking safety and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Like many newcomers, they faced significant challenges, including learning a new language and finding housing. In a difficult rental market, they visited more than fifty apartments before finally finding a home. Fortunately, they met Joyce, Emma, Reza and Gia, who formed a committed sponsor group, alongside Herman, a Fedasil volunteer, all working together to support them in overcoming these challenges. Through Community Sponsorship, sponsors provide practical, social, and emotional support to refugees as they settle into their new communities. Whether helping to understand administrative procedures, navigate the housing market, or simply offering a listening ear, sponsors play an important role in helping newcomers feel welcomed and supported. “The group of volunteers has been a source of support for us in every sense of the word”, Pedro says. His family’s story reminds that truly, it takes a Community to build a home. This video was produced as part of the RISE (Reinforcing Integration through Sponsorship Enhancement) project, which strengthens Community Sponsorship by mobilizing local communities to support access to housing and foster sustainable integration pathways for people in need of international protection across Belgium, Italy, and Lithuania. More information about Community Sponsorship and the RISE project can be found at: https://rise-integration.be/ For questions or to learn more about becoming a sponsor, contact: [email protected] The RISE project is co-funded by the European Union's Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) 2021–2027.