I found an inclusive link of how to help, but not how to offer lodging, care here.

http://www.today.com/kindness/refugee-crisis-how-you-can-help-syrias-children-t42261

I believe that's the organization that helps refugees here in Anchorage.

Last edited Tue Nov 17, 2015, 03:48 AM - Edit history (1)

You might be putting your life along with the lives of anyone that you shelter at risk considering the xenophobic fear that some will have about the situation.

Another thought is that if a tense relationship develops with your new boarders how would you be able to get them to leave your residence? That could turn in a long and expensive proposition.

There is also the aspect that you and your guests might become surveillance targets for both law enforcement and for anyone that might try to recruit them. Are you prepared for the police to knock down your door if they become suspicious?

The pro side of the argument is that you do appear to care about other people which is something that the world needs more.

I have a staunch Republican living next door with all his "Obama is a Socialist" bumper stickers. He and his wife seem nice enough but it's hard to say how they might react. Not sure they would have to know much though. I could always just say they are friends that I am helping through church.

It is the reaction of the people that they will talk to that you don't know that would be a larger concern. They may not commit any violent acts towards you, but the chance of some type of property crime or vandalism would escalate. It could simply be a nuisance such as having your property wrapped with toilet paper to more serious issues.

The situation with the people living nearby would most likely be similar to one if you have a registered sex offender or a parolee that committed a violent crime living with you. I doubt that I would risk getting involved since it could alienate those living nearby. I wish it weren't so, but I think it would be an invitation for trouble.

Since I lived in a neighborhood with a large Middle Eastern population, I also should mention whether you are willing to tolerate the spices that they use for cooking. When they renovated the apartment and a new neighbor moved in they weren't able to eradicate the aroma of the spices with the apartment redo so that could end up being an issue to consider because those aromas will be present long after the guests leave. I could still smell the spices in that apartment a year after the prior renters had moved.

that links to a National Geographic article about a Syrian family that was settled in
Greensboro, NC a year ago. It talks about the local assistance group(s) that help them.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10027352868

men who were refugees from Vietnam. If you don't like churches, there might be some other organization helping. I believe they did stay at parishioner's houses for a while.