What is a THRIVE Drive?   

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A THRIVE Drive is a way to sponsor a specific individual or family (refugee or asylum-seeker) who is experiencing food and hygiene insecurity during this time of economic and employment instability. A THRIVE Drive includes items that all refugee and asylum seeker families need, and/or which they may try to go without, in order to stretch their limited budgets.  Refugee and asylum-seekers typically struggle to support their families with rising housing, utility, grocery, and transportation costs, as their employment opportunities are often hampered by insufficient education, certification or licensing that are required in the United States.  In addition, with the changes in federal policies over the last year, refugees and other immigrants now must pay 100% more for work permits in order to support their families, and even greater fees to apply for green cards for permanent residency. These changes can stress some families' budgets beyond the breaking point. With support, however, they can then often find the time and money necessary to apply for permits and citizenship status; improve their employability, such as taking an English class; get a certification needed for a career, or train to earn a license to practice their trade.  Our goal is to provide these basic tems so that each family has more in their limited budgets to pay for their rent, utilities, a car, education, certification and licensing expenses. The result?  Instead of just constantly trying to SURVIVE, they can begin to THRIVE!

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Who can sponsor an individual or family with a THRIVE Drive?

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Anyone can sponsor an individual or family with a THRIVE Drive!  All that is needed is a commitment to regularly provide requested items on a refugee or asylum seeker's "Wish List" for a chosen amount of time.  An individual, a family, a group of friends, neighbors or co- workers, an organization, a faith community or a company can all be potentional THRIVE Drive sponsors!

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How long of a commitment is required to be a sponsor?

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We strongly recommend a minimum three month commitment, because our families typically need that much support, but you can choose "other" on the form for a one or two month try out if you aren't sure if you can commit at the time.  If you can, a six month or even twelve month commitment is possible.  If you choose a shorter commitment and decide latert o extend it--no problem!  If your circumstances change and you can no longer keep your commitment, just notify us and we will connect the family to a new sponsor.  If the family informs us that they no longer need the support, we will notify you, and you can choose to sponsor another family.  

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How can I/we sponsor a THRIVE Drive for an individual or family?

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You can easily apply here to sponsor a THRIVE Drive for an individual or family.

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You can choose how long you would like to sponsor, how often you want to deliver, and how involved you would like to be.  For example, would you like to have items shipped directly to the family or deliver them yourselves in person?  (Be aware that if you choose to deliver in person, you will likely be invited to share a cup of coffee or tea and perhaps a snack to thank you, as hospitality is very important, particularly with middle-eastern cultures!) 

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We will then contact you by email with a profile of a particular individual or family that is in need of assistance and that matches well with the amount of time and funds you want to invest.  Their profile will include links for either an Amazon and/or Walmart Wishlist for you to use to shop. The Wishlist will include non-perishable items that the family uses frequently which should be delivered with regularity each month (order on the same day or week each month), and hygiene/cleaning supplies that do not need to be replentished as often, delivered on an every-other-month basis.

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The address for the family's home will be provided for online shopping and delivery, and for if you choose to deliver to their home in person.  

Please note:  Amazon orders generally have no shipping fees, but Walmart requires a $35 minimum purchase for free shipping.

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Still have questions?  Email us at thrive7801@gmail.com with the subject “THRIVE Drive”.

Thank you in advance for your generous support!

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The THRIVEPittsburgh Team