HIAS is a Jewish charitable, not for profit organization originally founded in response to the late 19th and 20th century exodus ofJewish emigrants from Imperial Russia. HIAS protects most at risk refugees whose lives are in danger for being who they are. HIAS helps refugees rebuild their lives in safety, and advocates for the protection of refugees, ensuring that all displaced people are treated with the dignity. HIAS began its Africa operations in 2002, launching the HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya (HRTK)also referred to HIAS Kenya. The organization works with the most vulnerable refugees and their host communities, including survivors of SGBV, survivors of torture, LGBTI persons, single-headed households and Persons living with Disabilities through provision of mental health, legal and livelihood support. Together with Creatives Garage (CG) a multi-disciplinary collective space for artists and would-be artists- to network, share ideas, collaborate, learn, gain market accessibility and push boundaries, and Community Empowerment Self Support Initiative (CESSI), a refugee led community of LGBTI refugees who have come together and started several business enterprises in Nairobi as means of earning a livelihood, HIAS aims to create an inclusive and safe environment for LGBTI refugees and their host communities to live and work. This will be achieved through the implementation of three mutually reinforcing and supportive objectives that i) increase the power and voice of the LGBTI community advocate for theirown protection, ii) increase the ability of LGBTI to an earn an income in a safe and sustainable way, and iii) build the capacity of service providers to address the basic needs and protection concerns of Kenyan and refugee LGBTI, ensuring their needs are met in through confidential, appropriate and quality assistance.