Up to 60 Afghan refugees to be resettled in South Bend and St. Joseph County
South Bend Tribune Report
SOUTH BEND — The city and local charities are pulling together to help up to 60 Afghan refugees settle in St. Joseph County who'd fled after their country's government collapsed this year.
Arrival dates haven't been set yet, but the agencies expect the refugees — about 10 to 15 family units in all — by the end of December or early January.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend and the United Religious Community of St. Joseph County are the two key agencies that will help the refugees to settle and make the huge cultural transition to living in the United States. Both have had decades of experience in settling refugees locally.
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The agencies will gain guidance, input and resources from local officials through the newly formed Refugee Steering Committee for South Bend and St. Joseph County, which met for the first time on Nov. 19 and will meet quarterly.
It includes the city, La Casa de Amistad and other partners from law enforcement, public education, health and state agencies.
"The St. Joseph County community has been a welcoming home for new Americans since it was formed and has helped hundreds of refugees to successfully adapt," John Pinter, the URC's executive director, said. "We have heard from many wanting to help and look forward to welcoming families to this community in the near future."
"We are counting on and are inviting our community to join us in our efforts to welcome these new families to our area," said Juan Constantino, La Casa's executive director.