Who Are Refugees?

A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence.

Refugees are in need of rebuilding their lives. Figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimate refugee numbers currently exceed 10 million. Refugees often spend months or even years living in temporary accommodation, usually in overcrowded and undersupplied refugee camps. Resettlement to a third country, when refugees cannot repatriate or cannot remain in their host country, is a viable option for less than one percent of the world’s refugee population.

Refugee resettlement is a humanitarian effort that benefits some of the most vulnerable people on the planet. Many arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs and few possessions. They must rebuild their lives in a new country with a new culture and language, often having experienced tremendous hardship and trauma. Although some refugees come to the US to join family members, many arrive knowing no one. Refugees are expected to become self-sufficient within the first year of their arrival in the United States.

Resettlement means the opportunity to rebuild a life in safety. We offer a strong helping hand to families and individuals upon their arrival to accelerate their transition to Cleveland. We help refugees for long term success through many programs that we offer. Refugees learn English, find employment and embrace life in America by becoming active members of their community. After five years, refugees are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.

Thanks to the generosity of strangers, they are able to regain hope and rebuild their lives in America. Refugees depend on people like you. You can help ensure that refugees have a chance for a better tomorrow by making a tax-deductible donation, volunteering your time, or contributing goods to our agency.