Frequently Asked Questions

Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home countries due to war, persecution or natural disaster.

  • Many had to run from violence with nothing more than the clothes on their back, leaving behind everything and everyone they knew and loved.
  • Today, the vast majority of displaced refugees worldwide hail from just three countries – Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine – but conflicts in Southeast Asia, Iraq, Somalia, Central Africa and many other places have displaced and disrupted millions of lives.

Yes. The United States has a long history of welcoming refugees but also has an extensive process for screening refugees before they are allowed to resettle here.

  • First, refugees must be cleared for resettlement by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at which point the UNHCR identifies the most vulnerable refugees and makes recommendations to select countries. Many refugees wait a decade or longer to be recommended for resettlement.
  • Once a refugee is recommended to the United States for resettlement, the U.S. government begins its own arduous screening process that involves eight federal agencies including the State Department, Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. This process typically takes another 1-2 years.

No. They do not get to pick their resettlement destination.

  • The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) identifies the most vulnerable refugees and makes recommendations to select countries.
  • Then those countries (including the U.S.) conduct extensive vetting before a refugee is cleared for resettlement there.

While more than 100 million people are displaced globally each year, fewer than 70,000 (<0.07%) per year are resettled in the United States.

  • Over the past 40+ years of the modern resettlement program, an average of approximately 73,300 refugees per year have been resettled in the U.S. (Source: Migration Policy Institute). Per capita, this figure is far lower than many other resettlement countries.
  • Georgia is one of the most welcoming U.S. states to refugees, resettling 2,500-3,000 refugees per year statewide.
  • Since 1980, more than 60,000 refugees have resettled in Clarkston, earning the affectionate designation of “the most diverse square mile in America.”
  • Today, Clarkston welcomes around 1,500 new refugees per year with the help of the U.S. government, national resettlement agencies and local support organizations like ours. (Source: UNHCR)

Yes, Friends of Refugees is a non-profit organization, receiving 100% of our funding through private donations and foundations. We have been a 501c3 since 2005, recognized by the IRS as being tax-exempt as a public charity. Donations made to Friends of Refugees are tax deductible. Need a donation receipt or have questions about ongoing donations? Contact us at finance@friendsofrefugees.com

Ways you can get involved are to donate, volunteer, or join our team.

Donate
We are a non-profit organization, receiving 100% of our funding through private donations and foundations, so your tax-deductible gift  will make an immediate impact. Donate now!

*We do not take physical donations outside of items listed on our wishlists. If you have physical donations, contact the Welcome Co-Op

Volunteer
Many of our donors are also volunteers – and vice versa – because the  friendships they forge here go far beyond the services we provide. Volunteer today!

Join Our Team
Explore jobs that will make you look forward to Monday mornings.

Who We Are
A faith-based non-profit in Clarkston, Ga., we serve as a trusted  and caring navigator for refugee families on their journey to  abundant new life in America – as our neighbors and friends.

Who We Serve
We work with resettled refugees fleeing war, violence or  persecution in their home countries. After unspeakable hardships,  years in refugee camps, and more years of strict U.S. government  vetting, these families are building a whole new life in an unfamiliar  place.

How We Help
After government-sponsored resettlement services end, the real  challenges of building a new life often begin. Our unique “wrap-around”  approach embraces each refugee family on the path to long-term  success as American citizens, in four critical ways:

  • Language & Literacy
  • Childbirth & Maternal Health
  • Employment & Entrepreneurship
  • Healthy Food Access

Friends of Refugees is not a resettlement agency. Resettlement agencies contract with the U.S. Department of State to provide services such as reception, basic orientation, food, shelter and health services to refugees during their first six months in the US.

After government-sponsored resettlement services end, the real  challenges of building a new life often begin. Friends of Refugees unique “wrap-around” approach embraces each refugee family on the path to long-term success as American citizens.

The four refugee resettlement agencies in Atlanta are:

  • International Rescue Committee
  • New American Pathways
  • Catholic Charities Atlanta
  • Inspiritus*

*If you need help getting a job, accessing employment, or are a business looking to hire refugees, go to Inspiritus located at 3919 Church Street, Clarkston, GA 30021 on Thursdays from 9AM-5PM. For questions, visit weinspirit.org or call (404) 875-0201.