Houston Welcomes Refugees

Friendship - resettling in a new country without speaking the language, understanding the culture, or knowing anyone suddenly makes simple daily tasks daunting and overwhelming. This program partners volunteer welcome teams with a refugee family during their first six months in houston. Teams connect refugees with critical resources and community, act as a support system, and offer refugees the gift of friendship. In 2024, 34 families totaling 142 individuals were honored with the gift of friendship by a welcome team during their first months in houston.

Community education - while most refugees receive case management during their first six months in the u.s., caseworkers often support multiple families at one time. There is a tremendous need for the local community to come alongside refugees as they navigate life in a new country. With many training and speaking engagements per year, this program educates and empowers volunteers, and increases awareness and support for refugees in the houston community. In 2024, 701 individuals were mobilized and equipped to be volunteers through 37 orientations and another 5,154 were educated on refugees, the resettlement process, and volunteer opportunities through 36 trainings and special events.