Governor Hochul Announces $20 Million Awarded to Help Refugees Find and Maintain Employment – Urban CNY

Funding To Assist Recently Resettled Refugees Transition to Life in New York State

Nearly 4,200 Refugees Resettled in New York State Last Year

Governor Kathy Hochul on June 26^th announced that $20 million has been awarded to 17 community-based organizations that help refugees become employed while adjusting to their new homes in New York. The Refugee Support Services Program, which is funded by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, continues to be a fundamental part of the state’s successful efforts to resettle refugees in communities across New York.

“New York State has a proud history of welcoming those displaced by violence or fleeing persecution with open arms,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will lift up refugee communities, and represent our unwavering commitment to the possibility and promise they bring to our state.” 

The Refugee Support Services Program provides services including addressing barriers to employment, such as social and cultural adjustment, job search skills, work experience, and English proficiency. Transitional services are also provided to ensure continued employment and to enhance opportunities for advancement.

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Refugee Services bureau is responsible for the implementation of programs and services to assist refugees in New York State. Federal resources are directed to local entities that help refugees and their families, as well as others in a similar immigration status, to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said,“New York’s heritage is heavily influenced by our willingness to accept and help people fleeing persecution, violence, and intolerance abroad. As we recognized World Refugee Day this week, we continue that proud tradition by providing a safe haven for these individuals and families, along with the support they need to start life anew in our state.”

17 not-for-profit refugee services providers across the state were awarded funding to provide employment and transitional support services to help recently resettled refugees and their families adapt to life in the U.S.

Central NY Recipients include:

Central New York
Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, $4,055,841

New York State welcomed nearly 4,200 refugees or individuals on Special Immigrant Visas between October 2022 through September 2023, with most of these individuals resettling in communities upstate. These refugees included 991 from Afghanistan, 912 from the Democratic Republic of Congo, 717 from Syria, 541 from Burma, and 122 from Colombia.

Refugees are the most scrutinized and vetted individuals to travel to the United States. Prior to resettling, they undergo numerous security checks by intelligence agencies, including bio-metric tests, medical screenings, and in-person interviews with U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials.

Refugees living in New York make significant contributions to the state’s economy as earners, taxpayers, and consumers, according to a study by the New American Economy. Refugee households earned an estimated $6.2 billion annually and contribute roughly $2 billion in federal, state and local taxes.

Image by Amrulqays Maarof from Pixabay