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International Institute of St. Louis is asking for community's help to support incoming refugees, immigrants

The nonprofit is seeing its largest number of immigrant arrivals in nearly two decades.

ST. LOUIS — More refugees and immigrants are starting a new life in the Bi-state, which means more people are leaning on the International Institute of St. Louis for support. 

In a June 25 news conference, the nonprofit issued a renewed call to action to help "the largest influx of immigrants and refugees to the St. Louis region in nearly 30 years."

International Institute of St. Louis President and CEO Arrey Obenson said the reason for the influx is two-fold. First, there's a lot of turmoil around the world and, secondly, the federal government is giving refugees more opportunities to move to the U.S. 

"St. Louis is mindful of the work that we have been doing over the past few years and is mindful of the community support that we have had, so the city has really become an attractive location for refugees and immigrants," he told 5 On Your Side. "We've continuously been asked to do more, to accept more refugees and to give opportunities for more refugees to come and live here in St. Louis."

That's why, Obenson said, the nonprofit is pleading for help from the community in order to help these new neighbors make St. Louis a home.

"They're looking for a place that they can call a home, where they can find hope and start their lives all over again," he said.

That hope for so many starts at the International Institute of St. Louis, Obenson said.

"Especially at this time in the world, where we're seeing continuous rise in the movement of displaced people, we're incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to serve them," he said.

Obenson said that mission is getting increasingly harder. The nonprofit's empty donation room shelves are revealing the impact.

Credit: KSDK

"We're seeing the largest number of arrivals that we've had in, at least, in the last 20 years," he said.

This time around, Obenson said, it's different because they usually see an influx of refugees and immigrants from one country, and now, they're coming from all over the world.

"In the last six months, we've seen people come from at least 23 countries and speaking 55 different languages," he said.

Obenson said he believes the influx is welcoming news for the Bi-state.

"We’re incredibly lucky to have these people coming to St. Louis. This community has seen a declining population, and these people coming to St. Louis bring tremendous value to grow the population, revitalize the workforce and to move this community to prosperity," he said.

The International Institute of St. Louis can't make all of that happen on its own, though, Obenson said. 

"We need the community's support. There's not enough manpower, there's not enough financial resources that can bridge the gap between where these people are coming from, and where we can get them to, unless we mobilize this community to stand with them," he said.

Obenson said the institute is hosting donation drives to help fill the barren racks and is also asking people to support financially or through volunteering.

"Everyone has to play their part in making St. Louis welcoming," he said.

While these immigrants hope to make a fresh start, Obenson said he believes the community of St. Louis will help them make our home, their home.

"We're asking for St. Louisans to stand with us at this time, to be as welcoming as they've always been, to be as generous as they've always been with their time, with gift items and with their financial resources. What we're doing today is building a St. louis of tomorrow; one that is multicultural, one that is welcoming, and one that is prosperous for everyone," he said.

The International Institute of St. Louis' top 10 most-needed items include:

  • Cleaning supplies - Brooms, mops and laundry baskets.
  • Kitchenware - Bowls, plates, drinking glasses, kitchen knife sets and cutting boards.
  • Personal hygiene products - Toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. 

The International Institute of St. Louis' most-needed gift cards include:

  • Visa.
  • Aldi.
  • Schnucks.
  • Target.
  • Walmart.
  • Jay's International.
  • Gas cards.

Gift cards can be mailed to: Attn: Donations, International Institute of St. Louis, 3401 Arsenal St., St. Louis, MO 63118.

The nonprofit is asking for new items only and cannot accept any clothing or furniture at this time. If you have any questions about how or where to donate your items, email donateitems@iistl.org.

You can also make donations through their Target and Walmart wish lists. 

For more information on how to donate and volunteer, visit crisisSTL.org.

Editor's note: This story was updated with additional information shared during a June 25 news conference.

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