“These guys have been bounced around the country,” said Eden’s Rose Foundation Executive Director Greg Sheldon “from Texas to Massachusetts from Massachusetts to New York City and then from New York City up here to Albany in search of Freedom.”
Two brothers, and two women leaving Venezuela out of fear for their safety.
Seeking Asylum here in the United States, they are hoping to make Albany their home.
Jose an asylum seeker from Venezuela spoke, Sheldon translated saying “He’s here to get moving his life forward to work to be apart of this community and contribute.”
“They were pretty much left with the clothes on their back,” said Eden’s Rose Foundation Executive Administrator Tori Pistilli “and the change in their pockets so we wanted to give them a hand up they dont want any hand outs they want to work for what they need.”
Food prepared for the Albany community here at Eden’s Rose Kitchen by the four migrants is going directly to their family they left behind and to help them get back on their feet.
“Having them sitting around for 6 months is not healthy for anyone,” said Assemblywoman (D) Albany Pat Fahy “we need to get them to work while their legal court proceedings move forward.”
Assemblywoman Fahey recently spear-headed a letter along with 40 other democratic state assembly members to President Biden requesting the work authorization for asylum seekers change from 180 days to 30 days.
MORE: Assembly members send Biden letter asking for help in migrants seeking work in U.S.
This event along with donations is the only way the asylum seekers are able to make financial means.
Translating for Venezuelan asylum seeker Jhonson, Sheldon said “They didn’t tell him if he was going to be here for a week or two weeks or what was going to happen next they’re living in constant fear.”
For now Eden’s Rose says they will do the best they can to help support them and the other migrants here in the Capital Region.
“I think our whole city is going to fall in love with you as much as we have,” said Sheldon “and I said well where are you guys going next and he said man if you’ll have us were home.”
The food prepared by the asylum seekers was South American signature dishes including chicken, rice, empanadas, Maduro’s, and a beef potato mix.
Eden’s Rose said if the event was a success, they hope to host it every Friday.
More information can be found on Eden’s Rose Facebook Page.