by Jane Sisk
July 14: Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest
Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest (AIDNW) is an organization that works with detainees inside the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma. This detention center is one of the largest in the country with more than 1,500 beds. Many immigrants are held there for months. AIDNW volunteers greet detainees at their Welcome Center as the detainees are released and help to connect them with families and friends all over the country. They can arrange for transportation and sometimes can provide temporary housing at their hospitality house. AIDNW also trains volunteers who visit and assist immigrants who are held in the detention center. AIDNW is currently in the process of raising funds to replace the aging RV which serves as their welcome center.