UpCam (United Protestant Campus Ministries) is a ministry of which St. Paul’s is an active supporter and member. There is an urgent need for immediate support for local international students who are facing immense challenges due to our current political situation. Please download or read the letter (below) from the UpCam Chaplain for more information and suggested ways you can help.

Dear Friends,

At United Protestant Campus Ministries (UPCaM), we are deeply committed to caring for the spiritual, communal, and practical needs of students in Cleveland—especially our international students, who are facing an increasingly difficult situation. Due to the current political climate, many of our international students have been advised not to travel internationally. These students are now grappling with steep costs to remain on campus over the summer—$3,460 just for housing—and with many campus dining options closed, they also need support to access basics like food.

Throughout the year, UPCaM has worked tirelessly to meet the needs of these students, particularly during school breaks.

We’ve helped provide housing, food support, and even employment opportunities for students with limited job options due to their visa restrictions. However, the challenges these students face are intensifying, and we urgently need your help to continue offering them the love and hospitality they deserve.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Donate to the general UPCaM fund to support these students, as well as our domestic students and broader community ministries (preferred, so we can address the largest scope of need).
• Contribute directly to a fund dedicated to international students, helping provide them with housing, meals, and a sense of belonging.
• Reach out to UPCaM if you can host students locally or offer support—these students need safe places to stay, meals, and community connections, and your support can be life-changing. We are looking for homestays from May 9 to mid-August, close to Case Western Reserve University.

This is an urgent moment, and we need your help to extend Christ’s radical love and compassion to these amazing young adults. Your generosity will not only provide immediate relief but also show these students that they are valued, cared for, and not alone during this challenging time.

Thank you for standing with us and making a real difference in the lives of our international students.

With gratitude,

United Protestant Campus Ministries (UPCaM)

Rev. Steve Bailey, President

Rev. Jessie MacMillan, Vice President

Amanda Powell, Campus Minister

Rev. Halldor Gudmundsson

Daniella Wirt, Treasurer

David Lamar, Secretary

Vicar Albie Nicol

Meg Marshall

Rev. Geoffrey Black

Dr. Jim Thomas

Rev. Gabriel Lawrence

Rev. Ray Banks

Please donate via PayPal or by sending a check made out to UPCaM, 11459 Mayfield Road, Suite 555, Cleveland, OH 44106.