Photo Credit: Beth Rooney

Read more about IRIM's Benefit – Many Voices, One Vision >>

Refugee Resettlement Update

Interfaith anticipates resettling 440 people during Federal Fiscal Year 2010 (10/1/09 to 9/30/10).  The majority of refugees will be Iraqis who fled religious persecution or political persecution due to their assistance, or perceived assistance, of U.S. efforts in their country.

We will also continue to resettle Burmese people who fled the military junta in Myanmar (site of Cyclone Nargis). 

In July, Eric Schwartz took the oath of office as President Obama's Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.  The State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) provides aid for refugees through repatriation in their homelands, local integration in countries where refugees fled, and through resettlement in the U.S.  Mr. Schwartz filled a position that had been vacant since December 2007.  Click here to learn more about Mr. Schwartz's background and vision for refugee resettlement in the new administration. 

Refugees sent to IRIM for resettlement by the U.S. State Department are provided a full range of services that help newcomers quickly integrate into American society. These include providing transitional housing and other basic needs, orientation to public transportation and American money, English training, vocational training, job placement, medical referrals, and help with filing all necessary government papers. IRIM has special programs for particularly vulnerable refugees such as youth, seniors, and women.

Learn more about IRIM's services

On average, it costs $5,000 - $8,000 to help a refugee become self-sufficient. To achieve this, IRIM needs the help of community groups, businesses, faith communities, and individuals who can provide financial support for a refugee family as they acquire the skills they need to succeed in the United States.

How your tax-deductible donation helps refugees in the Chicago area:

$5000 - $8000 provides for the first 3 months of a refugee family’s needs (apartment rent, groceries, personal items, etc.) as they work towards self-reliance

$1000 provides furniture and beds for a family of four to six people

$750 provides one month’s rent for a one-bedroom apartment

$500 provides household items for a family of four and groceries for two weeks

$100 provides a new twin size mattress set for a refugee youth

$50 provides instructors for two sessions of cultural orientation classes for new arrivals

$25 provides a pre-charged CTA pass for refugees seeking their first American job