Below you will find a list of the most common questions we are asked as well as the answers. If you have a question that is not listed below, please contact us.
FAQ
We often hear the terms “refugee,” “asylum seeker” and “migrant.” Are these the same, or are they different?
A refugee is a person who is admitted to the U.S. through an international resettlement agency, and who is supported financially by the Refugee Empowerment Center or Lutheran Family Services in Omaha, or Catholic Charities in Lincoln.
An asylum seeker is a person who comes to the U.S. on his own, and requests asylum, or protection from persecution, when he reaches the border. If an asylum seeker has friends or family in the U.S., they are his source of support.
A migrant is someone who is forced to flee his home country because of war, persecution, natural disaster or corruption. Both refugees and asylum seekers are migrants.
Does OWS assist both refugees and asylum seekers?
Refugees have not requested support from OWS, because they are entitled to certain government benefits administered through the local resettlement agencies.
OWS provides support for asylum seekers, who have no governmental support.
How do asylum seekers come to OWS?
Many arrive on their own stating they have no friends or family in the U.S. Others are referred by agencies in Omaha (e.g.Catholic Charities) or by shelters in other cities who are unable to accommodate large numbers of asylum seekers.
Are the guests at OWS here legally?
Yes. All of our guests are in some stage of the process to request asylum. Upon entry to the U.S. they received documents allowing them to travel and requiring them to report to the Immigration Court in their destination city. OWS assists its guests in complying with these instructions.
How does OWS support asylum seekers?
OWS provides temporary hospitality—a safe living space, food, clothing, school enrollment, and help in finding health care and legal assistance. OWS also assists asylum seekers in finding permanent housing, and supports them financially until they can support themselves.
How is OWS funded?
OWS is funded entirely through private donations.
Do the children at the OWS shelter attend school?
Yes, children are immediately enrolled in Omaha Public Schools and begin attending within a few days of arrival in Omaha.
Do the asylum seekers at the OWS shelter receive health care?
Yes. OWS refers (and transports) guests with health needs to community health centers and local hospital clinics.
Do the asylum seekers at the OWS shelter receive legal assistance?
Yes. OWS refers (and transports) asylum seekers to Omaha non-profit legal clinics, such as the Immigrant Legal Center, and also to local attorneys for pro bono legal guidance.
How long do guests stay in the OWS shelter?
There is no fixed timetable. If guests wish to remain in Omaha, OWS assists with finding permanent affordable housing. Housing for migrants is scarce, and it may take weeks or months for guests to be placed in the community.
How many employees does OWS have?
None. OWS is staffed entirely by volunteers. A core group of 15 volunteers works regularly with our guests. Guests cook their own meals in a shared kitchen. Once a week local parishes and congregations bring a meal shared by our guests, volunteers, and those providing the meal.