For Refugees
and Other Newcomers

United States Refugee and Humanitarian Parolee Programs

If you are a refugee or other newcomer to the U.S. and are wondering what to expect from the resettlement experience, you can learn more here. This website has many resources — fact sheets, newsletters, toolkits, links to service providers, and success stories from newcomers. If you can’t find answers to any of your questions in the information below, contact us directly.

Featured Resource

Tenant Toolkit

This comprehensive tool for newcomer applicants and renters contains vital information and resources on searching for housing, what to expect during the application process, key things to understand in a lease, what rights a tenant has under the Fair Housing Act, and more.

Find local resettlement agencies near you.

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RESOURCES FOR REFUGEES AND OTHER NEWCOMERS

Learn more about refugee resettlement and the core services you receive upon entry to the United States.

Housing Resources for Refugees and Newcomers

One of the primary challenges resettlement practitioners and newcomers encounter is how to navigate the housing market effectively. This resource provides information and tools for successfully finding and securing proper housing for newcomers.

Federal Housing Program Eligibility for Newcomers

This matrix provides detailed information about newcomers who are eligible to receive Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) support, which could include one or more federal housing programs. Links to program information is also included.

Understanding Your Lease Agreement

Having a successful tenancy builds a refugee’s and newcomer's rental history. This sheet covers how to understand a lease and the legal responsibilities implied so that a refugee or newcomer knows what to look out for before signing.

Housing 101: Non-Citizen Eligibility for Federal Housing Programs

The U.S. refugee resettlement process is designed to provide safe, affordable housing for newcomers. However, due to the current affordable housing crisis in the U.S., securing newcomer housing is taking more time and effort than in the past. Fortunately, there are government housing programs available for non-citizens. In this webinar, viewers will learn about HUD programs available to non-citizens.

Blogs on Ways to Become a Good Tenant

Because newcomers have no rental history in the U.S., it's important to understand how to become good tenants. To be a good tenant, one must know their rights and responsibilities. These opinion articles provide tips and tricks on explaining the importance of being a good tenant and how it contributes to a positive rental history.

Know Your Rights: State-by-State Housing Guide

"Know Your Rights: State-by-State Housing Guide" is a resource for understanding tenant rights and responsibilities across all 50 states. Dive into essential topics like repairs, security deposits, lease termination, and eviction laws specific to each state. Empower yourself with knowledge to navigate any housing challenge confidently.

Settle In Housing Resources

Settle In provides trusted and accurate information about the resettlement process and life in the United States. This platform also hosts housing-specific resources co-developed with Refugee Housing Solutions.

Welcome to Your New Home – An Illustrated Guide

This workbook introduces newcomers to their home in the U.S. using illustrations. The booklet discusses apartment maintenance, safety, security, mail and notices, energy conservation, and good neighbors. This resource is available in English and Russian.

Resources for Ukrainians

Refugee Housing Solutions supports the resettlement and integration of Ukrainian newcomers through resource development and technical housing support for resettlement practitioners, community sponsors, landlords and property managers, newcomers, and volunteers across the United States.

Ukraine Response

Reception and Placement Core Services

The reception and placement (R&P) service period is for the first 90 days of a refugee’s time in the United States. The core services provided during this time are focused toward material needs for survival and for supporting clients as they achieve self-sufficiency. Resettlement agencies and affiliates ensure clients continue to receive information and support for their individualized short and long-term goals.

Refugees will receive support from the affiliates through core services of the following:

Housing
Financial assistance
Cultural orientation
Application assistance for food, cash, and medical assistance
Application assistance for social security cards
Filing an AR-11 Change of Address Form
Enrollment in English language programs
Enrollment in employment services
Creation of a service plan for individualized needs
School enrollment for children
Health screening appointments
Additional social service support

Office of Refugee Resettlement Services

RHS also supports newcomers who are eligible for services administered by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). ORR provides cash and medical assistance to newcomers, case management services, English language learning, and job readiness and employment services. ORR programs are designed to support better outcomes for refugees as they transition to life in the U.S. and work towards self-sufficiency.

People eligible for ORR services include:

Asylees
Cuban & Haitian Entrants
Refugees
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Holders
Survivors of Torture
Victims of Trafficking

You can learn more about ORR services here.

For Refugees and Other Newcomers