Before they show up in court they travel long distances – Spend a Saturday afternoon helping MAP at Charlotte’s Greyhound Bus Station!

Recently the New York Time ran an article following a migrant family as they made their way to the US. 1,600 Miles, 85 Hours: A Migrant Family Takes a Greyhound Across America

Well, those Greyhound buses stop here in Charlotte almost every day and most of the immigrants get off the bus tired, hungry, sick and with no money. Most are not staying in Charlotte, but this is a stop over for them. They are riding the bus from a detention Center to their final destination.

Charlotte has begun to reach out to these immigrants through the Migrant Assistance Project (MAP) which provides people, food, medicine, clothing and often the first smile people have seen along their journey.

Churches have been the first to step up. They carpool to the Greyhound station at 601 W Trade Street.  Once at the station they will set up a tables of kitted supplies, bottled water/juice, and a small meal.  Since the buses often run late, they coordinate among groups if the buses run past their assigned time. Once in Charlotte the immigrants will stay for approximately one hour. During this time volunteers answer any questions, provide cell phone use, and just provide some fellowship in general.  On each date each group needs one or more Spanish speaker for the entire duration.  

Volunteers also help prepare/serve a small meal to feed 50 or more. In addition, volunteer are needed who can make 40-50 simple sandwiches for the migrants to take on their journey.  Volunteers should be prepared to spend 4 hours or more in total.

To find out more information or to volunteer, please reach out to Paige at 404.484.3073. She will be able to answer your questions. 

MAP is an important program – providing helpful support to those in dire need.