Health, social services, and mutual aid

This section covers what QARAVAN did in 2024 to connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) immigrants with health care, social services, information, and emergency aid.

• Over 500health-related cases referred in 2024
• Over 1,000LGBTQ+ immigrants assisted in accessing social and other services in 2024
• Over $10,000collected and distributed in 2024 as emergency cash assistance and other mutual aid

Health services navigation

In 2024, we referred over 500 health-related cases to the New York University (NYU) Langone LGBTQ program and other specialized programs, providers, and clinics with the help of our volunteer LGBTQ+ healthcare navigator.

We work with trusted partners to make personal referrals for health insurance navigation, medical appointments, obtaining emergency medications and treatments, and finding culturally appropriate health and mental healthcare.

Peer support groups

To address the critical shortage of bilingual mental health services, we have created safe, welcoming peer support groups where LGBTQ+ immigrants can connect and share in their native languages. These groups offer a compassionate space for participants to openly discuss their challenges, seek guidance, and receive emotional support, all led by volunteer facilitators who are themselves immigrants and bring expertise in case management, psychology, and art therapy.

In 2024, our efforts expanded to include two vital groups: a dedicated mental health support group and a peer support group specifically for transgender individuals, both meeting regularly to foster resilience, understanding, and community healing.

Social services navigation

We address health, safety, food, and clothing issues, ensuring individuals receive the necessary support and resources. Led by coordinators, graduate social work interns, and a team of trained volunteers, QARAVAN has advocated for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals residing in shelters and neighborhoods.

We refer our community members to trusted social and healthcare services and English classes, providing accompaniments and interpretation. In 2024, we assisted over 1,000 LGBTQ+ immigrants in accessing social and other services such as the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the New York City HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA), and also IDNYC (the New York City identification card), banks, and legal services by providing personal accompaniment, interpretation, and personalized referrals.

We moderate an online chat channel where we share resources, exchange advice, and answer questions. In partnership with RIF Asylum Support and SAFE Asylum (Seeking Asylum & Finding Empowerment), we referred LGBTQ+ immigrants to free and trusted legal resources.

Information guides

We have created and are constantly updating an extensive information guide for our community members and volunteers on the immigration process, housing, public benefits, English classes, higher education, and career resources, among other information requested by the community. The community-created and translated guides are currently in three languages, Russian, Kazakh, and English, and the latest versions are posted on our website.

Emergency cash assistance and other mutual aid

We coordinated emergency cash assistance and other mutual aid to LGBTQ+ immigrants who faced hardship. We raised these funds from other immigrants in the community, allies, and supporters. We collected and distributed over $10,000 in 2024, providing $50-$200 per person to asylum seekers in crisis.

We also conducted clothing and household item drives. We partnered with the First Presbyterian Church for a coat distribution event. Additionally, we partnered with Ruth's Refuge, which delivers new furniture, household items, and air conditioners to refugees who move from shelters into apartments.