Hundreds of refugees have already arrived in Austin this year. Hundreds more will be here over the next few months. These refugees come from many countries and are resettled through one of two agencies: Refugee Services of Texas (RST) or Caritas. These agencies work with the US Department of State to provide resettlement services.

Refugees arrive in the US with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Many have lived in refugee camps for years. Many have witnessed horrors and had to struggle to survive. Most have lost loved ones. They arrive in the US with a hope for a future for them and their family.

There is a great learning curve upon arriving here. Many refugees do not speak English. The funds provided by the government to help them get established are limited. Documents for foodstamps and health care can be confusing. Transportation is limited to the bus line and getting around town can be overwhelming. Children begin to attend school and language barriers can cause frustration for them and their parents. Adults must seek work, often for minimum wages, and try to find a way to provide for their family.

There are many organizations set up to help, but their funding and volunteer base is limited. As I understand it, when the US established its refugee resettlement program, the faith community was actively involved and the program was set up with the expectation that that would continue. However, currently only a few Austin churches and other faith organizations are involved. We can be the hands and feet to our Austin refugee neighbors. We can start today!