History

Historically, the United States has welcomed refugees into the country recognizing their justifiable fear of persecution in their own country. Refugees legally enter the U.S. seeking freedom, peace and opportunity for themselves and their families. After resettlement, they start their new lives with limited resources knowing that they must transition from their past and the lives they once knew.

Refugee Camps

Many refugees were born in and have spent their entire lives in camps. The U.S. welcomes more refugees than any other country in the world. Since 1975, the U.S. has accepted 2.6 million refugees, more than double the number of the nine other traditional resettlement countries combined. Nearly 80,000 refugees were resettled in 2009 alone.

Northeast Ohio

Each year 1,300 to 1,900 refugees settle in Ohio. Since 2007, Cuyahoga County has welcomed 862 refugees from countries including Burma, Bhutan, Somalia, Ukraine, Russia and Iraq. When these newcomers arrive in Northeast Ohio, they often have little money, few contacts and a limited understanding of U.S. culture.

The Response

Resettled refugees are expected to acculturate, acquire English language skills and become self-sufficient within three months of arriving—a daunting task for many refugees. The Refugee Response (TRR) was formed to help refugees adjust to life in Northeast Ohio. Through our unique programs, we are working to empower our area's growing newcomer population, particularly those here between three months and five years by providing opportunities for them to learn the skills they need to succeed in their new communities.