Works of Mercy for Our Immigrant Neighbors
“Wanting to inaugurate a kingdom of justice, fraternity and solidarity, God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.”( Pope Leo XIV, Delexi Te 16)
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asks at the end, “ (Who)…was neighbor to the robber’s victim?’ He(the Scholar of the Law) answered, ‘The one who treated him with mercy.’ Jesus said, ‘Go and do likewise.’”
Ways to help locally:
COPAL - www.mn50501rochester.org/donate *at this time MN50501-Rochester is focused on supporting COPAL in their efforts to ensure food security for area families impacted by ICE raids. Your donations will be used to fund these efforts and support these families. THANK YOU!
Pamoja Women, 829 3rd Ave SE STE 205, Rochester - https://www.pamojawomen.org/donate :
Mission to liberate and empower women and girls of East African heritage... Pamoja Pantry: 600 families received essential food supplies. They provide culturally appropriate food and emergency support to families with children, elders, and single-parent households. Unfortunately, Pamoja Women as an organization is currently experiencing a funding gap that has paused regular pantry distributions, which is why emergency support is so critical right now.
The Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans (ACHLA) is a grassroots nonprofit serving the Rochester area and southeastern Minnesota. In this moment, ACHLA is in need of monetary donations to help Latino families, especially those with children in the school district, who are facing eviction or financial hardship. Click below to donate money to help cover rent for those in need right now. https://www.achla-mn.org/donate
Donations can also be made by mailing a check made out to ACHLA, and sent to their office at 315 Elton Hills Dr NW Suite 202, Rochester Mn 55901
We The Gente® is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to empowerment, access, and economic mobility. They help Latino individuals and families... At present, they know of some of families that are unable to pay their phone bills, and risk being cut off from their lifeline by no longer having phone service. A donation to We the Gente will help to pay these bills. https://wethegente.org/donate
Donations can also be made by mailing a check made out to “We the Gente” to their P.O. Box Address: 1445 Valleyhigh Dr. NW #6986, Rochester MN 55903
SMIILD (Southern MN Interfaith Immigrant Legal Defense) https://www.smiild.org/donate :
Mission: Ensure the availability of immigration legal services for those who live or work in southeastern Minnesota.
Terra Loco, 1190 16th St SW STE 150, Rochester drop off for items of need during business hours: Diapers (sizes6,7,8), wipes, formula (Enfamil yellow can most requested); women’s hygiene items, toilet paper, & small size laundry/soap detergent.
Food, toiletries, cleaning product donation opportunities are being taken at the following churches/places:
Christ United Methodist
400 5th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902
Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00am – 3:00pm
People of Hope
3703 Country Club Rd. SW Rochester
Mon.-Fri 9:00am-1:00pm
Congregational Church,
974 Skyline Dr. SW. Rochester
Tues-Fri. 9am-noon and Sat. am
Needs: Toilet Paper, toothpaste, soap dish/bath/hand/detergent, shampoo, sanitary pads, diapers (all sizes 0-3 yrs)
Food: sugar, coffee, salt, beans, rice, tortilla flour (maseca), spaghetti, tomato sauce, powder milk, oatmeal, cereal. Non-perishable, shelf stable foods, kids snacks.
Heavenly Father,
Creator of every nation and every people,
You formed each human person in your image and entrusted the world to our care.
In this time of uncertainty and fear surrounding immigration,
We lift up to you all who are on the move
--those fleeing violence, poverty, persecution or hunger;
--those separated from family;
--those who feel unseen, unheard, or unwelcome.
We entrust all immigrants, leaders, and communities to your care,
Trusting that You are always at work,
Bringing light out of darkness and hope out of despair.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen
(Prayer shared by St Francis of Assisi Parish, Rochester)
The Church’s concern for neighbor and our concern here for immigrants is a response to the Lord’s command to love as He has loved us (John 13:34) - USCCB Special Message on Immigration November 12, 2025
Contact Mary Vlazny to have a discussion or to learn more about this list: mvlazny@sj.org.