Tacoma Refugee Choir helps members find hope and home through song

Over the past 10 years, more than 30,000 refugees, from more than 70 countries have resettled in Washington state through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

It’s one thing to welcome refugees; it’s another to make them feel at home. The Tacoma Refugee Choir has helped give that feeling to refugees, as well as immigrants and native U.S. citizens. The members find belonging through song and so much more.

In 2016, Tacoma resident and classically trained singer and voice coach, Erin Guinup, was at a church conference learning about the Syrian refugee crisis. She was moved by the stories and felt compelled to get involved.

“And then the thought was so clear, in my mind, use the gift you have. And so I thought, 'Well, singing has always been a safe place for me. Perhaps it would be a safe place for other people,'” she said.