For many of us, it brings to mind warmth, safety, and the people we hold close. But for people like Ejiatu, home is a memory disrupted by violence and a hope not yet realized. That’s why Jonathan House exists—to say “yes” to asylum seekers who need a safe place to begin again.

This past October we welcomed Ejiatu, a nurse, widow and mother of three school-aged children from Sierra Leone. Political violence forced her to flee the good life she’d built, leaving behind her career and her children.

In the U.S., her journey remained difficult—while waiting for work authorization, she struggled to achieve even basic stability and could do nothing for her children but pray.

But at Jonathan House, she found a new beginning:

“It was a great experience, because I finally entered a place called home, and I met good people who embraced me with love and care.”

With your help, Jonathan House is that “place called home” for Ejiatu, somewhere where she can begin to rebuild her life. She’s safe. She’s working toward resuming her nursing career. And she’s dreaming of reuniting with her children.

And just last week, when a new family moved into Jonathan House, Ejiatu paid it forward with these beautiful words: “Welcome home.”

In 2024, thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we welcomed 9 new people to Jonathan House—the most ever in a single year!

But every person we’ve welcomed reminds us of the 145 we’ve had to turn away due to lack of capacity. That’s why we’re dreaming boldly: to double our capacity by 2026.

Every “yes” makes a difference. With your support, we can provide more people with a home, a community of care, and the chance to work toward their dreams.

CLICK HERE to learn more about IAFR's Jonathan House ministry.