World Relief Seattle helps displaced people start a new life in the Pacific Northwest. These are some of their stories, and the stories of volunteers who have made a difference.

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From War, Famine and a Squalid Prison Cell
to a New Life in Seattle

Amanuel, a young man with an athletic build, is from Eritrea.  This  East African country struggles. Political upheaval. A border dispute. War. Famine. Amanuel knew that he, like many of his countrymen, would die if he didn’t leave soon. 

Amaneul and five other men escaped by boat across the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. Upon arrival, Saudi authorities arrested the men.  They were locked up in small cell that was securely fenced and heavily guarded.  The prison guards repeatedly reminded them that they were not welcome.

Had they fled their war-torn country only to die in a foreign prison cell?

But the United Nations and the United States government knew of their plight. After years in jail, Amanuel and the other men were screened and approved for refugee status. The political persecution prevented them from returning home to Eritrea alive.  

”I was happy. Very, very happy,” said Amanuel, his face lighting up as he recalled leaving his prison and traveling to Seattle.

World Relief, along with our team of volunteers and donors, helped over 600 refugees begin new lives last year in the Puget Sound.