Every year, weary refugees from countries like Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan, displaced due to wars, persecution or violence, arrive at Temple Baptist Church’s Welcome House for rest, safety and a chance to plan their new lives.
The Welcome House, a converted parsonage on the church grounds in Durham, North Carolina, is a temporary residence for refugees. The idea to create this home started after a local missionary couple came up with a plan to create homes for refugees, and Temple Baptist decided to participate. In 2019, the church turned its parsonage, which they often had used as a hospitality house for various groups, into a home for refugees.
“When refugees first land in whatever country they are landing in, housing is always a big issue,” says Senior Pastor Randy Carter. “What we have been able to do is house larger families, often anywhere from six to 10 people, because it’s hard to find an apartment or rental house and quickly accommodate a family of that size.”
The three-bedroom brick house is just a few hundred feet from the church, and families typically stay from two weeks to three months.
Welcome House at Temple Baptist operates in partnership with World Relief Durham, a local Christian humanitarian organization. The church reports that thus far the number of families served hit 16 in 2023.
“World Relief does all the case management for the families,” explains Carter.
Once World Relief assigns a family to Temple Baptist, the congregants get to work. The facilities team ensures the house is clean and in working order between occupants. Church volunteers greet the new arrivals and offer them a hot meal. Meanwhile a third group of volunteers provide the families with rides to appointments and the grocery store.
A few Christian refugee families even attend Temple’s church services, says Carter.
“We’re trying to be a beacon of welcome to these folks, and let them know that there are folks here who are thrilled they’re here.”
