Detroit City FC will take to the pitch on Saturday, June 25 in recognition of Freedom House, a Detroit-based nonprofit organization that supports individuals fleeing persecution from around the world.

In support of Freedom House and refugees’ basic human rights and dignity, and in our effort to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, DCFC players will wear commemorative jerseys for the June 25th match against Dayton Dynamo at Keyworth Stadium.

After the match, each participating player’s jersey will be auctioned off to the highest bidder in a silent auction held at the stadium. Proceeds raised from the auction will benefit Freedom House.

Founded in 1983, Freedom House is a temporary haven for survivors of persecution, conflict and turmoil in their home countries.

The organization offers food and shelter, legal services, medical and mental health care, English as a Second Language, job training, and transitional housing to those seeking asylum in the United States and Canada. Its mission “is to uphold a fundamental American principle, one inscribed on the base of the Statue of Liberty, of providing safety for those ‘yearning to breathe free.’”’

Detroit City FC is proud to be a partner in this cause.

“The plight of refugees is something we read about on the news every day, but here in Detroit we have an organization that is doing something about it,” DCFC co-owner Alex Wright said. “Freedom House is an important source of safety, stability and hope for families who come to our city from across the globe. Their mission transcends borders and their passion for helping those with nowhere else to turn inspires us.“

“For 33 years Freedom House has at the forefront providing services for asylum seekers," Freedom House Executive Director Deb Drennan said. "Our dedicated staff and countless volunteers provide shelter and all comprehensive services for asylum seekers so they exit our program with the skills needed to move into stable housing and become financially self-sufficient.

“Freedom House clients come from regions around the world where football is a favored sport - and one played regularly at Freedom House. It is an honor to be selected as the Detroit City FC charity of choice, a perfect partnership to raise awareness of the needs of asylum seekers coming to Detroit.”

Freedom House is the only organization in the United States that provides no-fee comprehensive services to refugees. The majority of residents come from sub-Saharan Africa - especially Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda - Latin America and the Middle East.

In 2012, Freedom House was officially recognized for their work with victims of human trafficking and is currently a partner of U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

For more information on Freedom House, please visit http://freedomhousedetroit.org.

DCFC’s match on June 25 will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. at Keyworth. Purchase your tickets for the match at detcityfc.com.