The Reality of Seeking Asylum and How We Can Restore Human Dignity

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When families and individuals arrive at the US Southern Border seeking a new life, they are looking for safety, freedom, and hope. Yet, for many who legally apply for immigration relief, the reality is starkly different: incarceration in detention centers under cruel, inhumane conditions.

Our founder, Tendo Steven, knows this reality intimately. A human rights and political activist in Uganda, Steven fled persecution and torture, arriving in the U.S. legally to seek asylum. Instead of immediate refuge, he was detained in Texas for over two years. During that time, his diabetes went untreated, and he nearly lost his eyesight.

At ELOI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we believe no human being should endure these conditions when seeking safety. We are actively fighting to protect the rights of New Americans and holding systems accountable to serve the common good.

How We Step In

Working closely with grassroots organizations at the Southern Border, we identify and support individuals who have been fully vetted by authorities but desperately need a lifeline.

  • Host an Immigrant: We connect compassionate individuals with immigrants who have recently been released from detention or whose time at a shelter has expired, offering them a safe place to land.
  • Free Apartment Furnishing: Starting over in a new country is a heavy load; no one should begin that journey on a bare floor. We provide beds, tables, kitchen essentials, and warm touches. A furnished apartment is more than furniture—it is dignity.

Join the Family of Service When we welcome newcomers, we are telling them: “You are not alone. You are part of us now.”

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Contact Us

We appreciate your interest in ELOI and our efforts to address the needs of young people who are struggling with drug addiction and new Americans who are being detained in immigration detention facilities.

Postal Address

  • ELOI Inc
  • P.O.BOX 832, COLCHESTER,
  • VERMONT 05446-USA

Physical Address

67 CREEK FARM PLAZA, COLCHESTER, VT 05446

Email Us

info-usa@eloiministries.org