The Refugee Coalition of East Africa (RefCEA) participated in a widespread food distribution drive to LGBTQI refugees throughout Nairobi and the surrounding areas. The initiative was funded in large part by ALIGHT (formerly the American Refugee Committee) with additional funding provided by RefCEA and through a grant from the Frontline AIDS Rapid Response Fund.
Food was distributed by members of the RefCEA Secretariat over the course of five days. Over one hundred (100) persons in need received food as part of the distribution program. This massive aid project was coordinated with the help of multiple local LGBTQI refugee run CBO’s and businesses including FLBQR, COSIR, Ganda, Kashfood Caterers, Big Brother, Cessi, PUK, and many more. In addition to members of these groups food distribution reached many ex- Kakuma refugees and other vulnerable individuals who are not members of any particular social group or CBO.
Of the project, Executive Director Craig Paris states, “I am so proud of our entire team and what we were able to accomplish this week for our fellow refugees. This food relief program brought so much joy and relief to so many in our community. However, it is important to note that it was not enough. The need is still so great and so many LGBTQI refugees, unable to work and support themselves, will be hungry again very soon. We need continued support from aid organizations and LGBTQI allies around the world to continue this important work and further positively impact the lives of those in need.”
As an organization, RefCEA envisions a unified, empowered, and self-reliant LGBTQI refugee community in Kenya which is protected and supported in all pertinent matters. Provision of basic needs is a starting place for the work of the Coalition, but without the legal protections, work authorization, and support the LGBTQI refugee community continues to suffer.
