Casa San José volunteers have begun a local chapter of Grannies Respond/Abuelas Responden—a national organization of volunteers that meet asylum seekers at bus stations as they travel from the U.S./Mexico border to their sponsors. Volunteers help asylum seekers with their tickets and give them water, snacks, food, diapers, and personal care items.
At the Pittsburgh Greyhound Bus Station, there are five daily busses that could potentially have asylum seekers on board. Most arrive at 12:45 am. They are usually family units consisting of parents and children, or single adults. None are unaccompanied minors. The Greyhound staff appreciates volunteer help as it saves them a lot of time. Volunteers typically meet outside the station from 12:15–1:15 am. This allows them to be available for 3 busses during that time. Volunteers who are fluent in Spanish are especially needed. You could volunteer any day of the week.
Contact Carol Chonoska at carolchonoska@gmail.com or 724.272.9722 for more information.