Bridge to Rutland (B2R) is a group of Rutland County residents working to bring asylum-seekers to Vermont and to support them once they’re here. Asylum is a protection granted to a foreigner already living in the United States or a person arriving at the border who cannot safely return to their home country because of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.B2R provides wrap-around services, including raising money to support these folks in everything they need. This includes finding housing, stipends for food, clothing, pro bono attorneys, and medical care. We surround them with a team that offers transportation, English instruction, help finding volunteer opportunities, and social activities. Once they have received work permits, we help find them jobs and learn about the banking system. Rutland County has no other organization dedicated solely to supporting asylum seekers, leaving a significant gap in services for one of the most vulnerable populations in the region. Asylum seekers need all of the services listed above, and without coordinated assistance, they may struggle to meet even basic needs, much less to fully participate in the local workforce and community. B2R fills this gap by coordinating with volunteers and local partners. With our help, these individuals and families gain stability and independence, and Rutland gains new residents who make the community stronger.