Resettlement Takes Center Stage at September's Riverside County Refugee Forum
This past Wednesday, September 4th, 2024, marked a pivotal moment for the Riverside County Refugee Forum (RCRF) as we focused on the critical topic of resettlement. As HMI embarks on its new role as a Reception and Placement Community Partner (RPCP) in collaboration with Episcopal Migration Ministries, one of the 10 national resettlement agencies in the U.S., we are now directly resettling newcomers in Riverside County. The forum had record attendance, filled with both in-person and online attendees, underscoring the immense community support needed to ensure a smooth transition for refugee families.
A Growing Partnership for Refugee Resettlement in Riverside County
Our new partnership allows HMI to provide comprehensive services for new arrivals, including securing housing, facilitating access to public assistance, and fostering community integration. The forum provided an opportunity to share updates on this exciting development and to hear from experts working on the frontlines of resettlement.
Engaging Speakers and Key Takeaways
We extend our sincere thanks to our expert speakers, whose insights deepened our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in resettlement:
Susan Gundlach, Senior Program Officer, Episcopal Migration Ministries
Susan gave an in-depth overview of the national resettlement landscape, sharing key data about refugees entering the U.S. and providing insight into the broader role of Episcopal Migration Ministries. She highlighted that refugees do not come to the U.S. by choice; they are forced to flee due to conflict and persecution. Currently, the top three countries from which refugees are arriving are Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Syria. Susan emphasized the need for continued collaboration across national, state, and local levels to support these vulnerable populations.
Torpekai (Tori) Mohmand, Regional Executive Director, Lifting Humanity - San Bernardino
Tori brought the discussion closer to home, offering her perspective on resettling refugees in the Inland Empire. As a Reception and Placement partner with the International Rescue Committee in neighboring San Bernardino County, she shared practical insights into the challenges and successes of helping refugees adjust to their new surroundings. Her work highlights the importance of local partnerships and community involvement to ensure that refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
Key Highlights from the Discussion:
Housing
The forum identified housing as the primary challenge for resettlement. As more refugee families arrive, it’s crucial to engage and educate landlords about refugee experiences and the services they receive. Building these partnerships can help open doors for refugees in need of stable housing.
Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions is stepping up to support these efforts with special grants and Letters of Support from the HWS department, strengthening housing applications for refugee families.
Education
Education challenges were also a focal point of the discussion, with Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) providing insights on how to better support newcomer students. Issues such as bullying, identity struggles, and logistical obstacles to school enrollment were raised. Parents, unfamiliar with the system, have encountered barriers in meeting vaccination requirements and arranging transportation. The need for literacy programs to help newcomer students succeed was also emphasized.
Health Services
Health access remains a challenge, particularly regarding transportation to the Refugee Health Clinic in San Bernardino. However, Riverside County DPSS and Molina Healthcare are working to address these gaps by offering virtual MediCal screenings, mobile services, and transportation support. Molina Healthcare also provides housing application assistance and one-time financial aid for housing costs.
Moving Forward: Building a Welcoming Community
As HMI embarks on its mission to resettle refugee families, the support of our community will be essential. The Riverside County Refugee Forum has made it clear that we need to continue building partnerships with local stakeholders, including landlords, educators, and healthcare providers, to ensure refugees have the resources they need to thrive.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this important conversation, and a special thanks to Molina Healthcare for donating essential hygiene supplies for newcomer families.
Together, we can continue to build Riverside County into a more safe, supportive, and thriving community for all. We look forward to continued collaboration!
