VIVE INC is the largest refugee shelter in the United States. Since our founding in 1984 VIVE has served more than 68,000 asylum seekers from 106 countries. VIVE is the only organization in the country with the primary focus of serving refugees as they begin the process of seeking asylum. Last year VIVE served more than 3,800 refugees, 60% of whom were women and children. VIVE operates La Casa shelter with 112 beds, a kitchen, a legal clinic, and a free “store” to distribute donated clothing. In 2008 VIVE provided more than 44,000 bednights of shelter, 120,000 meals and legal services to the more than 3,800 clients. In 2008 VIVE served more clients then all other homeless shelters in Erie County combined.

VIVE provides many opportunities for individuals, students, congregations, or business groups to become involved as volunteers.

VIVE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) which receives funding from individual donors, congregations, foundations and corporations, and 3 municipal funding sources, including Erie County and the City of Buffalo. We welcome donations of monetary contributions as well as supplies that can assist the people we serve.

Effective immediately refugees from Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC-Kinshasa), Haiti, Iraq, Liberia, Rwanda and Zimbabwe can no longer enter Canada from the United States based solely on citizenship. This exception to the safe third country agreement no longer exists. They must qualify under other exceptions to the safe third country agreement. The exception under which they are most likely qualify is that the refugees have an anchor relative in Canada.

VIVE La Casa. Photo Credit: Mike Groll