East Bay Sanctuary Covenant

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (EBSC), located in Berkeley, California, was formed in 1982 when five Bay Area churches came together to declare their public commitment to offering sanctuary to Salvadoran and Guatemalan refugees who were fleeing war and persecution. By 1986, EBSC’s membership had grown to 31 congregations. Today it includes both secular and faith-based organizations throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. EBSC’s mission is to provide sanctuary, through protection, advocacy and support, and capacity building to low-income and poverty stricken refugees and immigrants, many of whom are victims of torture.

Through the Refugee Rights Program, EBSC provides immigration-related legal services including affirmative asylum, Temporary Protected Status, the U Visa Program for victims of violence, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program, and Citizenship and Permanent Residency, as well as assistance with refugee travel documents, work permit renewal, and family unity petitions. Through its Community Development and Education program (CDE), EBSC helps clients to obtain psychological therapy, employment training, medical assistance, cash and food stamp assistance, higher education, and leadership development, as well as helping them to learn English and to prepare for the U.S. citizenship examination.

EBSC works primarily with low-income and no-income clients, and many of EBSC’s services are free. Client fees for remaining services are fixed, however no one is turned away for lack of ability to pay. Payment plans are available.

Read more about intake including hours for drop-in services and by appointment only.