The dream of bringing a refugee family to Armstrong-Spallumcheen moves a step closer.

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Refugee Project (ASREP) has completed the first document that will put it in the United Church sponsorship pipeline.

“We will soon receive a collection of more documents to complete, but the journey has begun,” said ASREP spokesperson Ron Brinnen, whose group is looking to bring a Syrian family to the community.

Another hurdle jumped is housing.

The organization has secured a home on Becker Street.

“There are five bedrooms in the house so we will be able to accommodate a family of five-to-eight people,” said Brinnen.

A committee has been set up to help furnish the home.

If you would like to donate new or gently used furnishings, write a description, take a picture and e-mail the information to Juli Nordstrom at callingjuli@hotmail.com.

Because of the communities’ generosity, Brinnen expects a large number of donated duplicate items.

“So we will vet them on line, choose the best and move items directly into the home,” he said.

“Please keep items not chosen and donate them to our spring fundraiser garage sale.”

The Vernon Salvation Army donated two queen size and four single new mattresses to help furnish the bedrooms.

Deborah Mehes’ Tapestry Choir raised $2,800 through a raffle at their Christmas songfest, bringing donations for the project up to $15,000.

If you would like to contribute and would like a charitable receipt you may donate through any Armstrong church or at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon.

If you do not require a charitable receipt, you may donate directly into the ASREP account, #2790517, at Valley First Credit Union.

The next community meeting will be Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m.