Refugee Resettlement

When refugee families arrive in the United States in search of new lives, they often have nothing. Immediately after their arrival, refugees need assistance in finding housing, household furnishings, transportation, medical care, and employment. They also need help to learn the English language. Refugees often come from Liberia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, and from the border area of Russia and Turkey.

With the help of volunteers and sponsors, including assistance with finding early employment, most families can quickly become self-sufficient.

New Refugees to Arrive in 2009
 
The CSSMV Refugee Resettlement program expects over 100 refugees to arrive in the Dayton area in 2009.  

The support of volunteers and charitable benefactors is needed to meet the challenge.  Volunteers are needed to assist the staff in moving furniture and preparing households.  Volunteers and staff work together to clean houses, shop for groceries, organize kitchen and bathroom items, set up beds and make minor home repairs. Tutors are also needed to assist with learning English.   

Those who wish to information on becoming a Refugee Resettlement Volunteer may contact Lynn Adams via email:  volunteer@csssmv.org.
 
Personal and Household Items Needed
Basic household items are needed to furnish apartments and houses for incoming refugee families.  Single beds, kitchen tables and chairs, dressers, car seats and sweepers are currently needed. Please note that decorative and luxury items are not accepted due to limited storage space and the manpower required to sort such items.

The following personal items may be purchased (not used) and donated to help new arrivals:  

Sponges
Cleaning solutions
Bucket
Comb/brush
Shampoo
Dish soap
Toilet bowl brush

Making a Donation
Those who wish to make a donation of used furniture or other in-kind contributions, please call Phil Henry, Donations Coordinator, at 223-7217, ext. 4297 or email refugeedonations@cssmv.org. Your correspondence will be returned within two business days.
 
Please complete this Form for In-kind Donation.  (pdf)

Refugees have shown great courage by fleeing known dangers and beginning new lives where they have no roots or resources. You can offer caring support when they arrive. Please consider helping as a volunteer, sponsor, or as a helping congregation.

A Catholic Social Services staff member works closely with refugee sponsors. CSSMV has served the refugee population for over 50 years.

For More Information:
To volunteer, please call Lynn Adams at 223-7217, Ext. 1104.
For in-kind donations, please call Phil Henry at 223-7217, Ext. 4297.