The organizations listed below provide services to LGBTQ asylum seekers in the Greater Boston Area. Note: This is not an exhaustive list. See also: Legal Resources.
Community Legal Services and Counseling Center (CLSACC)
CLSACC provides free civil legal aid and affordable psychological counseling to low-income people. Its services combat the effects of poverty and violence by helping clients meet basic human needs for safety, income, health and housing, drawing on the expertise of dedicated volunteer professionals to provide direct services. The Immigration Unit at CLSACC handles cases for asylum seekers, including LGBT populations.
Fenway Health
The mission of Fenway Health is to enhance the wellbeing of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and all people through access to the highest quality health care, education, research and advocacy. It provides a number of services including trauma recovery and violence councelling at its various locations. If you are currently uninsured, Fenway Health can help you enroll in Commonwealth Care, MassHealth, and other programs.
LGBT Asylum Support Task Force, Worcester
Founded in June 2008, the Task Force’s continuing mission is to support the basic human needs of LGBT people seeking asylum in the United States. It strives to provide or facilitate housing, food, clothing, resources (inc. health care, psychological care, faith communities), cellphones (vital for contact with lawyers & family), and transportation. As of October 2012, Task Force volunteers have raised money and sourced donations to support more than 80 individuals during their process.
See here to hear Task Force member Maggie explain the organization’s work.
Refugee Immigration Ministries
This faith-based organization was founded in 1986 and provides community-based support to individuals and families who have been uprooted by violence. RIM’s faith-based approach builds collaboration between community faith groups in order to provide support to each client from his or her own faith. This is done through several programs including resettlement services (food, housing, transportation) within local communities; spiritual care; English language and career development classes.