WHAT IS A REFUGEE?

The UNHCR established definition of a refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their country out of a legitimate fear of persecution, war or violence.

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UNHCR USA for UNHCR

Dwell commonly refers to the individuals we support as 'refugees.' However, it's important to note that our services also extend to other forcibly displaced populations (due to persecution, conflict, violence, and human rights violations worldwide), including asylees, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, survivors of torture, and victims of trafficking. Each group brings unique experiences and needs, but all share the common challenge of rebuilding their lives in a new and safe environment.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN FOR THESE DISPLACED POPULATIONS?

At the end of 2023, the majority of displaced persons originated from five primary countries: Source

Syria: 6.5 million
Afghanistan: 6.1 million
Ukraine: 5.9 million
Venezuela: 5.6 million
South Sudan: 2.2 million

As of September 2023, more than 114 million individuals were forcibly displaced by persecution, conflict, violence and human rights violations worldwide. This marks the largest ever single-year increase in forced displacement in UNHCR’s history, propelled by the war in Ukraine and other deadly conflicts. Per UNHCR

HOW DOES A DISPLACED PERSON END UP IN THE UNITED STATES?

For displaced persons, especially those in more vulnerable situations, resettlement in a third country like the United States may be an option. There are various pathways for this process and it’s typically facilitated by international and national entities, including the UNHCR and other relevant organizations:

Less than 1% of the world’s refugees are resettled in another country.
The traditional resettlement process can take anywhere from 1.5 to 18 years, during which people often live in camps or cities while they wait.

Often, displaced individuals initially seek refuge in countries neighboring their homeland. Over time, they may integrate into these host communities, establishing a new life there.

In some cases, displaced persons may choose to return to their home countries once the conditions that forced them to flee have improved or resolved.

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO DISPLACED PERSONS WHEN THEY ARRIVE IN THE US?

Upon arrival, displaced persons receive case management assistance through the resettlement agency. This can include assistance with housing, employment, education, health care, and other social adjustment services.

ARE YOU A RESETTLEMENT AGENCY?

Currently, our services are focused on assisting displaced persons and refugees who are beyond their initial resettlement phase. Dwell Mobile has recently received approval to expand our services as a remote placement site for the resettlement of newly arrived refugees, which we began in April of 2024.

HOW DO REFUGEES FIND OUT ABOUT YOU?

While we do receive referrals from other agencies, most of our clients find out about us through word of mouth within their communities.

HOW CAN I HELP/GET INVOLVED?

If you want to get involved in Dwell programing, click here.

If you want to support Dwell financially, click here.

IS MY DONATION TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes, your donation is tax-deductible. Dwell operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This status allows your contributions to be tax-deductible to the full extent permitted by law.

I KNOW A RESETTLED REFUGEE FAMILY, HOW CAN I HELP CONNECT THEM WITH DWELL?

We would be happy to talk to you about getting this family involved with Dwell. Please contact us here.

I AM A RESETTLED REFUGEE. I NEED HELP WITH SOME THINGS, WHERE DO I GO?

You can find more information here, or contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions