The Welcome Home Refugee Resettlement Program began as a coalition of concerned organizations and individuals who work and/or live in Hampshire County, who in partnership with Catholic Charities Agency has brought to fruition the City’s expressed intention to welcome refugees.
In the United States, refugees are resettled via agencies that are authorized and equipped to assist refugees in creating and adjusting to their new lives. Catholic Charities Agency is the responsible reception and placement agency for the 70+ refugees being resettled in Hampshire County. Contracted to the Department of State, Catholic Charities provides the principal reception and placement services including locating and approving housing situations, helping gain access to benefits, teaching English, Cultural Orientation, and identifying employment opportunities. In addition to the essential services provided by Catholic Charities, committed volunteers are a critical component in providing sustained support for refugees as they rebuild their lives here.
In partnership with the Cities of Northampton, Amherst, and Easthampton, Catholic Charities is excited to receive and resettle refugees from around the world this year into our communities.
We look forward to working with area non-profit organizations, governmental officials, the Five Colleges, local employers, and residents to help refugee families rebuild their lives in our community.
“There is no power greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” — Margaret Wheatley
There are several ways you can be involved with the resettlement initiative.
Make a charitable contribution that will help pay for housing, and important social services to help the families become successfully self sufficient.
Provide permanent housing for a refugee family.
Please contact Urszula Wolanska-Fettes at u.fettes@diospringfield.orgEmploy refugees. Please contact Urszula Wolanska-Fettes at u.fettes@diospringfield.org
Make in-kind donations of household goods for the families' homes
Volunteer your time