South Brooklyn Sanctuary Inc.

Overview

South Brooklyn Sanctuary Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Brooklyn, New York. It emerged from a grassroots, volunteer-run immigration clinic at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, led by Pastor Juan Carlos Ruiz. Initially established to address the needs of migrants bused to New York City in 2022, the organization has expanded to provide comprehensive support to immigrants across the city.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of South Brooklyn Sanctuary is to empower immigrants to represent themselves in Immigration Court by providing necessary tools and resources. This effort is crucial given that there is no federal right to representation in immigration proceedings, and many immigrants cannot afford legal counsel. The organization's work includes:

• Know Your Rights presentations to educate immigrants about their legal rights.
• Pro bono legal referrals to connect immigrants with attorneys who can offer free or low-cost services.
• Assistance with legal paperwork, such as change of address forms, work authorization applications, and asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications.

Operational Reach

South Brooklyn Sanctuary supports approximately 50 people each week and has helped thousands to date. While based in Brooklyn, the organization serves immigrants throughout the five boroughs of New York City, as well as in Long Island and New Jersey.

Values and Structure

The organization emphasizes community empowerment and challenges the injustices within the legal system through a liberation and transformative justice framework. It encourages those receiving support to take on leadership roles, fostering a collaborative environment where volunteers and participants work together. The organization's leadership includes Whitney Hu as part of its board of directors.

Recent Developments

In recent years, South Brooklyn Sanctuary has continued to grow and expand its services. In 2023, the organization supported over 3,000 immigrants with legal education and referrals. Efforts have been made to hire a full-time immigration attorney and scale up educational programs across New York City.

Financial Needs and Community Support

To further its mission and address the high demand for immigration services, South Brooklyn Sanctuary relies on community fundraising efforts. A notable campaign aimed to raise funds for hiring legal staff and expanding its reach, highlighting the organization's commitment to defending immigrant rights and building a safer community.