More than 63 million people have been forcefully displaced from their homes. With wars, famine and political instability as the underpinning of this unprecedented crisis it's easy to grow weary and be lulled into a position of inaction. The scope of the problem seems to require government or large organizational force to affect change. But what if there was a way ordinary people without specialized training or knowledge could help and change the lives of refugees?
In 2016 alone there were nearly 85,000 refugees resettled in the United States. These refugees come with essentially nothing. Many have to take out a loan just to cover their airfare to the United States. With limited language skills, incompatible industry certifications, and no means of transportation, these people are essentially forced into a life of poverty.
While we can't tackle the refugee crisis as a whole we can certainly help those most vulnerable who are our neighbors. With more than 300 resettlement communities across the country, most Americans live within a two hour drive of a community. Helping with conversational English, giving someone a ride to work, or buying some linens for their bed - these are all small steps that every American can take to help assimilate these refugees and give them a chance to escape the poverty cycle.
Originally from Ethipoia, Solomon has found immediate employment and future career training as an electrician thanks to the community in Clarkston, GA.
Solomon’s story is one example of the difference an involved community can make in a refugee’s life.
Join us for this four part micro-documentary series entitled Resettled. We share the stories of a city that has rallied around their refugee neighbors to provide opportunity for the most vulnerable members of their community.
Beyond the encouragement from these stories, you'll find an action guide that comes along with each episode. By outlining specific steps you can take in your community you'll be able to make a difference in lives of refugees near you.
We want every American to understand that they can play a role in solving a piece of the refugee crisis by walking alongside a refugee neighbor, so that's why we're giving this important series away for free.
Feel free to share it with your friends and at the end we'll offer you the opportunity to further increase awareness about the refugee plight through a "buy one, give one" offer of our soon-to-be released feature documentary Warehoused, which explores the forgotten stories of the Dadaab refugee camp residents.
Sign up below and we'll send each episode and action guide for free to your email inbox over the coming weeks.