Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are we doing this?

A: Many reasons! Here are just a few.

It’s the right thing to do - according to UNHCR (2020), worldwide displacement topped 79 million in 2019, including some 26 million refugees
It aligns perfectly with NYS’s history and mission of being a place that has always welcomed immigrants, refugees, and those in need of assistance
Our region, thanks to a variety of factors including but not limited to our geographic proximity to Montreal, home to SUNY Plattsburgh, and former site of the Plattsburgh Air Force base, has long been home to a variety of populations from varied backgrounds and cultures
A strong desire to continue welcoming new and diverse peoples to our region
Our region has experience in providing support and services to asylum seekers, refugees, and other citizen/non-citizen populations in need
Integrating refugees into our local economy is vital for the long-term, sustainable livelihood of both the refugees and our community
This initiative will help reinforce that our community is one where young, talented people want to live and relocate to
The private sector stands to benefit as refugees are proven to be both entrepreneurial and engaged employees

Q: What are the goals of the program?

A: The Goals are:

Arrange for the reception and placement of refugees in the United States and offer appropriate assistance during their initial resettlement in our community.
Provide refugees with necessities and core services during their initial period of resettlement; and
In coordination with publicly supported refugee service and assistance programs, assist refugees in achieving economic self-sufficiency through employment as soon as possible after their arrival.

Q: Where will refugees come from?

A: Communities do not get to decide where the refugees that are placed come from, nor will we want to. Refugees are placed by USCCB in a community that can best serve their needs. We could receive placements from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Syria, Algeria, Myanmar, Ukraine, Venezuela or elsewhere.

Q: How many refugees will we welcome to our community?

A: We have been informed by New York State and the national resettlement organization we are working with that for a community of our size, we could expect approximately 5 families (20 or so refugees) in the 1^st year. As a rural community, numbers will always be small and manageable.

Q: Where will refugees live? Plattsburgh? Clinton County? Franklin? Essex?

A: Initially we will like to see refugees placed as close to the local Catholic Charities Office (located in Plattsburgh) and the services that will be required. Therefore, we envision that most will be placed in the greater Plattsburgh area where transportation/access will be easiest. If successful, we can expand.

Q: Can refugees work?

A: Yes – these refugees are admitted to the United States with work authorization meaning that, if they are physically and otherwise able, they could theoretically begin working on day 1 upon arrival. However, it is important to remember that all refugees will need to undergo a cultural orientation upon arrival, and many will need to also enroll in literacy/English as a second language programs and workforce training programs. They will also need to settle into their new home, obtain a social security card, receive medical treatment, become acquainted with the community, and much more before they begin work.

Q: Who is responsible for the initiative and how will arriving refugees be supported?

A: Catholic Charities will assign a caseworker in Plattsburgh to oversee the initiative. This caseworker will be responsible for working with our community service providers and partners (some of which are listed above) to ensure that the refugees have what they need upon arrival. This includes but is not limited to:

Locating affordable, sanitary, safe, long-term housing arrangements
Providing initial furniture/household items
Providing initial culturally appropriate food/clothing
Interpretation services, if needed
Transportation to and from the airport, appointments, training programs, grocery shopping.
Childcare, if needed
Enrollment in school, literacy/ESL programs, workforce training, or other programs
Appointment at a doctor’s office for a domestic health screening and appropriate health services (within 30 days)
Assistance applying for a social security card, public assistance programs, employment services, and more

The caseworker will be responsible for conducting home visits, keeping necessary paperwork, and providing other as needed services.

Q: How will this all be paid for?

A: Each refugee will be allotted a small sum of funding upon arrival (from the federal government) to assist with paying for housing (rent), food, clothes, and other needs. Refugees also qualify to apply for public assistance programs such as Medicaid, TANF, RCA, and others to assist with healthcare and other basic needs upon arrival prior to obtaining gainful employment (if able). Despite this, the initial funding and public assistance programs will still not cover all necessary expenses. We will rely, as much as possible, on donations (both materials and financial) to assist refugee families with covering necessary expenses. If you are interested in donating (goods or monetary), more information can be found here.

It is important to note that the goal of the remote refugee placement program is to help each refugee succeed by providing the necessary services , programming, and resources for them to become self-sufficient, if able, as soon as possible.

Q: What sort of screening do refugees receive before coming?

A: Refugees are the most thoroughly screened people who travel into the United States (T. Numerous checks by several government departments are built into the process to meet all security requirements, resulting in a rigorous, often years-long process, for every refugee who reaches the United States. This vetting ensures that if, at any stage, there is any doubt about the refugee’s history, affiliations, identity, or credibility the individual does not enter the United States. More info https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/refugees/refugee-processing-and-security-screening

Q: What about health screenings?

A: Each refugee is required to receive an overseas health screening conducted by a panel physician. These screenings cover a wide range of health concerns including but not limited to: vaccinations, HIV, parasites, lead, mental health, malaria, nutrition/growth, tuberculosis, hepatitis, general health/wellness, and more. The results of these screenings are uploaded to a database that can be viewed by a local healthcare provider in our area who will be tasked with providing another two-part health screening within 30 days of the refugee’s arrival.

Q: What is the timeline? When will we begin

A: We have been formally approved by both NYS and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as an approved resettlement community which means that we can now begin receiving families. We anticipate receiving our first family in Summer/Fall 2023 however, that is subject to change. Additionally, families will continue to be placed in our community as there is a need and as we have a capacity to accommodate them. (See question above regarding how many refugees will we welcome to our community?)

Q: How can I help?

A: " If you'd like to help show them how the North Country you know and love is a welcoming place that can become their new home, there are many ways to do so including:

Make a monetary donation - your donation will be used to support the individuals/families that are most in-need and will be used to help purchase necessary goods/services like food, clothes, school supplies, furniture, and so much more!
**Be sure to use the dropdown box to select that your donation is used for the North Country Neighbors initiative
Donations of Goods or Fundraising Drives - we often need specific items to help support new families. Please contact us before doing any kind of in-kind donations so we can let you know what is most needed. We kindly ask that all donations must be in new or like-new conditions (free of stains, tears, smoke, pet hair, etc.)
If your company, school, religious/civic organization is interested in doing a fundraiser on behalf of the initiative, please contact us.
Volunteer - want to get more involved? Consider donating your time, energy, and efforts by becoming a volunteer. Families need assistance with things like moving into their new apartment, grocery shopping, transportation to and from appointments/errands, and so much more. We have opportunities to help during the weekdays, on evenings and weekends, at special events, and more. Volunteers can choose which roles they’d like to do, based on interests and talents, as well as our current needs and opportunities. Contact us today and let us know how you'd like to help or learn more about available opportunities!
**Volunteer acceptance, placement, and scheduling are at the sole discretion of Catholic Charities. Interest in volunteering does not guarantee an opportunity.