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Refugees are people fleeing violence and persecution—in Democratic Republic of Congo, Burma, Afghanistan, and other countries in crisis. They are seeking safety and the chance to move their lives forward. Learn more »

The United States has a long tradition of sheltering those fleeing conflict and persecution. Once refugees have been identified by the United Nations refugee agency and cleared for resettlement, the U.S. government works with the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ and eight other national resettlement agencies to help them restart their lives in America. Out of the nearly 20 million refugees in the world, fewer than 1 percent are considered for resettlement worldwide.

Refugees may be placed in a city where they have relatives or friends, or where there’s an established community that shares their language or culture. Other considerations include the cost of living and a community’s ability to provide medical services. However, as legal U.S. residents, refugees may live in any city and state they choose.

Utah continues to stand for welcome with leaders willing to speak out in support of refugees and refugee resettlement. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Salt Lake City is honored to work in a state that chooses to welcome refugees and other New Americans with open arms and provide safety to the most vulnerable people arriving in the U.S. 

Learn more about how refugee resettlement really works.

Our programs are designed to ensure refugees thrive in America--whether ensuring children are enrolled in school, adults become self-reliant through employment or starting businesses, or families receive the acute medical care they need to recover from trauma or illness. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ helps those in need to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home community.

Refugees are greeted and welcomed at the airport by ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ caseworkers and volunteers to ensure their transition is as comfortable as possible. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ also makes sure newly arrived refugees receive:

• A furnished and supplied home
• Temporary help with rent
• Access to healthcare
• Nutritious, affordable food
• English language classes
• Help building job, computer, and financial literacy skills
• Education for their children
• Social services and community support
• Legal services towards residency and citizenship
• Small business development

Our programs in Salt Lake City:

• Resettlement: Meeting the basic needs for food, shelter and legal rights in the early, critical stages of resettlement.
  • Community Sponsorship: Under the resettlement program, community sponsorship allows community members to get involved through gathering a welcome team of 6-10 people! 
• Economic Empowerment: Protecting, supporting and improving household livelihoods and financial security, including small business supports.
• Community Integration and Development: Strengthening communities and preparing individuals to participate fully in American society.
• Health and Wellness: Promoting wellness and ensuring access to healthcare services that address physical and psychological needs.
• Children, Youth and Education: Providing educational and developmental opportunities that build the essential academic, personal and social skills needed to succeed.

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ welcomes the opportunity to share our work and the refugee resettlement process through presentations to corporations, civic or religious groups. A member of our Speakers Bureau can discuss our work at your next gathering. Request a member »

We’re also happy to discuss other points of engagement like DIY fundraising, in-kind donation drives, or volunteer activities.

Learn more about other programs offered at the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Salt Lake City and how they benefit our community:

• Immigration Services
• New Roots

You can support our work and the refugees we serve in Salt Lake City by:

• Give a one-time or sustaining tax-deductible financial gift either via the website or sent to our office.
• : Create your own DIY peer fundraiser  to engage and involve your community with raising funds for the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Salt Lake City. You can also use the "Team Fundraiser" feature to fundraise as a team!
• Become a volunteer in support of our work and the refugees we serve. Learn more »
• Fulfill your university internship at the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Salt Lake City. Learn more »
• Interested in partnering with the Ì½»¨¾«Ñ¡? Learn more »
• Gather new or like-new items to help us welcome newly arrived refugees in Salt Lake City. Learn more »
• Host your own Fundraising Campaign at your next event, birthday, neighborhood gathering and more. Get started »
• Stay connected and be the first to receive updates:

Support in other ways:

1. Employ refugees.
2. Connect us to affordable housing options.
3. Order food from Spice Kitchen Incubator refugee entrepreneurs.
4. Visit our Sunnyvale Farmers Market from June to October.

Learn more by emailing us at [email protected].

Once they acclimate to their new environment, refugees often thrive and contribute to their communities, building careers, purchasing homes, gaining citizenship, opening small businesses and adding rich diversity to their new homes.