Dear Friends of International Student House:
We hope this finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy as we continue to navigate work, study, play and do life in these unique times. To say the least, the past few months have been filled with the unexpected – both here at International Student House and the world at large. However, it has been amazing to watch how individuals and organizations alike have met the challenge(s) of the moment, and responded with great resolve and agility – adjusting, holding true to their values and investing in a vision of a post-pandemic future that is more diverse, just and equitable.
That is precisely what we’ve been busy doing at the International Student House of Washington, DC – keeping the House open so we can continue to be a home for our young leaders and scholars from around the world.
As you know, the House’s occupancy was seriously impacted as universities and places of work shifted online, and as the global pandemic continues, low occupancy remains. As this affects our finances, we’ve made a number of important adjustments to our expenses and ramped up our fundraising efforts. Throughout, the health and safety of our Residents and staff has been our priority. Learn more about our response here as we continuously adapt so we can continue pursuing our mission, now more important than ever, of fostering intercultural dialogue, life-long connections, and global citizenship.
Also, as the country and the world have entered into a significant moment of dialogue and action regarding race and racism, we are reminded the House has a role to play in elevating diversity, equity and inclusion, to make sure it is reflected in our words and work, as well as in the international exchange profession and community.
We remain open for business. We are a home to young and diverse international leaders, who come to the United States, to Washington, DC to live, learn and grow – personally and professionally. And, our mission must carry on. Now more than ever we need to be building-bridges and fostering understanding to remind us that we all have much more in common with each other, than things that divide us. So the House continues to welcome students, interns and young professionals -domestic and international- to make their home in our House.
We remain hopeful. The lives and work of our Residents and Alumni around the world inspire us to work hard to get through these challenging times so we can continue to be here for them as they embark to make the world a better place. None of this would be possible without your generous support and that of our donors, Members of our Board of Directors – past and present, as well as family, friends and alumni of the House – far and near. We are fortunate that our community has been overwhelmingly supportive during this time. However, the House still need’s help, not unlike many other organizations and industries in the U.S. and the world, to overcome the financial challenges brought on by the global pandemic. We look to you and our supporters for your continued financial support to help pave the way to our shared vision for the House in a post-pandemic world.
As you know well, the International Student House of Washington, DC is truly a place where significant, life-long friendships begin. We are grateful for your support and we are excited for the future as we continue to welcome students from around the world for decades to come.
Sincerely,
Daniel Bremer-Wirtig
Executive Director
