Revitalizing Housing in Rural Communities: Opportunities for USDA and ORR-Eligible Populations

This article explores examples from the United States, Canada, Australia, and countries across Europe to identify lessons for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other rural housing stakeholders. Rather than proposing a one-size-fits-all model, it considers how housing investments, community partnerships, and welcoming strategies can work together to support both newcomer integration and long-term rural community vitality.

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Learn more about legal requirements and find answers to commonly asked questions about partnering with refugee resettlement agencies to provide housing to newcomers.

Creating Welcoming Communities: Federal Housing Agencies and Refugee Success

The tradition of welcoming refugees and newcomers has long been a cornerstone commitment of the United States. To continue exploring the United States’ long history of welcome, this resource is multifaceted in its approach and goes into depth in three specific areas and how they are interrelated. These include 1) the concept of a welcoming community, 2) the importance of housing as a core pillar in all communities, and 3) how federal housing agencies are key stakeholders in both housing and creating holistic and welcoming communities which ultimately create a thriving nation for all.

Thriving Together: How ORR-Eligible Populations Contribute to Safer, Stronger Communities Through Housing Stability

Using a housing–centered lens, this article provides an overview of how newcomers contribute to safe and thriving communities. It draws on academic research across fields showing that communities flourish when residents feel secure, supported, and connected to one another. Within this context, the article explores key newcomer social, economic, and engagement in community life contributions.

Collaboration, Not Duplication: A Case Study of Partnerships for Local-Level Resource Navigation

This resource explores a case study of partnerships for local resource navigation and how other organizations across the country may be able to replicate a similar model to further collaboration rather than duplication.
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