Some eight years after opening, Viator House of Hospitality reached another anniversary this month. And while staff members and the 24 young men who live there currently, celebrated with a cake, their work continues.
:”Viator House has become more than a house of hospitality,” says Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, director of programs and housing. “It has become a home.”
Br. Michael Gosch and Fr. Corey Brost, back left, with staff members.
Case managers work to provide access to legal, medical and mental health services, as well as enrolling participants in high school and sometimes college classes, all while they await their asylum proceedings.
“Eight years ago today, Viator House opened its doors to five young men from five different countries seeking asylum in the U.S.,” Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, told supporters on social media. “Eight years later, we just welcomed our 121st participant, from Mauritania in Northwest Africa.”
In celebration of their anniversary, Fr. Brost, who serves as executive director, and Br. Gosch opened the doors of Viator House on Saturday to invite volunteers and interested supporters to see the home and learn more about its services to young asylum seekers. They drew a packed house.
Staff members said the open house drew warm and engaging conversation with several participants about life at the house and their feelings about being part of the VHH family. Fr. Brost addressed the crowd and answered questions about the home’s work and the asylum seeking process.
Guests gather round to hear Fr. Brost describe the work of Viator House of Hospitality.
“We heard from some attendees that they came away feeling better about the state of the world,” one staff member said, “at least the world Viator House has created and nurtures every day.”
Br. Gosch and Fr. Brost are not done yet. They spoke Monday at Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness, IL, where their talk on Viator House and the asylum process drew 100 people. More presentations are planned.
They also invite people to attend a virtual presentation and discussion at 7 p.m. Jan. 30. The one-hour session will feature advocates working with asylum seekers at the Arizona/Mexico border and in Chicago, as well as attorneys protecting their rights. Register here.
“We’re grateful to you, our community members, for making these last eight years possible,” Fr. Brost said. “We have celebrated high school graduations, new jobs, asylum victories – even marriages – all made possible because of you.
“As for those first five guys, each is doing well eight years later,” he added. “And we regularly hear good news from several of the participants who moved beyond Viator House. They’re happy, healthy, productive adults.”
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