Asylum Seekers

These programs and services connect newly arrived migrants to the resources they need to build workforce skills, find jobs, and put down roots in the city, including legal support and ESOL classes.  

More than 210,000 migrants have arrived in New York City since the spring of 2022, many of them crossing the border to seek asylum in the United States. Large numbers are sheltered in downtown hotels near Trinity Church. We believe every New Yorker, no matter how long they’ve been here or where they come from, is our neighbor. It’s our joy to follow Jesus’s instruction to “welcome the stranger.” 

Winter Coat Drive 

Our congregation is currently purchasing winter coats to help keep new arrivals warm this winter season. For every child’s coat purchased, our Neighborhood Support team will buy a coat for their caregiver. Need a new coat? Please contact a member of our team. 

Programs at Trinity 

All programs are held at Trinity Commons.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) 

Monday–Friday, 10:30am–12pm (Cohort 1); 12–1:30pm (Cohort 2)
February 10–May 30

A 12-week class to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English 

General Educational Development (GED) Tutoring 

Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30am–12pm 
February 10–May 28

An opportunity for adults to get help preparing for the GED exam 

Legal Clinic 

Friday, 9am–2pm
January 24–June 13

Seeking legal counsel on immigration law, help with applications, or a consultation with an attorney? This clinic will help new arrivals navigate the complex immigration system and empower them to seek safety, stability, and self-sufficiency. 

Housing Clinic

1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30–8pm 
February 4–May 20

Learn your rights as a tenant and talk through housing issues in a group setting. 

Let’s Move Together 

Mondays, 12–1pm 
February 3–May 19

Parents/caregivers and children ages 0–5: Come engage in a variety of movement activities. 

Compassion Circles 

Tuesdays (Biweekly), 12–1:30pm
February 4–June 3

A safe and compassionate space to talk through life’s challenges with others 

OSHA Training

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9am–3pm

Cohort 1: January 27–February 4
Cohort 2: February 10–March 4
Cohort 3: March 10–31 
Cohort 4: April 14–May 6

Learn all the safety rules and regulations governing modern residential and commercial buildings. 

Food Handlers Course (Spanish and English) 

Fridays, 9am–3pm
Cohort 1 : February 12, 13, and 14
Cohort : March 12, 13, and 14

Prepare for the New York City Department of Health’s Food Protection Certificate test. 
 

2-Hour Drug and Alcohol Awareness (OSHA) Course 

May 27 and 29
9am–3pm

This course covers the adverse effects of drugs and alcohol in the workplace. 

8-Hour Fall Prevention Course (OSHA) 

May 27 and 29
9am–2pm 

Learn how to prevent falls in construction work. 

Site Safety Supervisor Certification 

May 13, 15, 19, and 20
9am–3pm 

A comprehensive review of New York City regulations for urban construction sites 

Support for New Arrivals 

NYS Office for New Americans 

This state government office connects new arrivals with a large network of programs and providers. Services include citizenship classes, ESOL classes, workforce development, and more. 

Visit website 
Immigration Hotline: 800-566-7636 

Make the Road New York 

Make the Road New York combines adult education, civic engagement, health access, legal services, leadership development, and school programs to assist immigrant communities.  

Visit website 

Brooklyn: 718-418-7690 
Queens: 718-565-8500 
Staten Island: 718-727-1222 
Long Island: 631-231-2220 
Westchester: 914-948-8466 

African Communities Together 

ACT helps African immigrants find free or low-cost assistance with immigration, jobs, and other needs. Each year ACT helps hundreds of African immigrants with free, high-quality immigration legal services. They also provide free referrals to trustworthy nonprofit and government agency partners. 

Visit website 
Phone: 347-746-2281 

Arab-American Family Services 

AAFS supports Arab and Muslim immigrants through legal screenings, citizenship classes, ESOL courses, and voting registration assistance.  

Visit website 
Bronx: 718-508-1220 
Brooklyn: 718-250-5035 
Manhattan: 212-602-2800 
Queens: 718-575-4500 
Staten Island: 718-697-4300 

Legal Aid Society 

The Legal Aid Society provides comprehensive, high-quality immigration assistance to low-income New Yorkers. The Immigration Law Unit (ILU) provides direct legal representation in a variety of relevant matters and engages in affirmative litigation. Legal Aid also produced a Know Your Rights page with accessible answers to common questions. 

Visit website 
Phone: 212-577-3300