Everything You Need to Know About Somali Refugee Community Resettlement

Somalia has seen over three decades of prolonged and incredibly obnoxious civil war. Political unrest and frequent clashes have put an additional burden on the already crumbling infrastructure of the country. As a result, people are not only facing threats from the militants, but they also have to deal with food insecurity and a crashing economy.

Person wearing volunteer t-shirt.


These problems have affected the lives of millions of Somalis, who have been forced to seek asylum elsewhere. Over 750,000 Somalis refugees have sought asylum in other countries, while nearly 3 million have been displaced within the country.

The lives of Somali refugees living in developed countries like the US aren’t free of struggles either. These people struggle to start from scratch and build new identities for themselves. The road to refugee resettlement is long and full of obstacles.

Here are some of the major obstacles these refugees have to face.

Lack of  Access to Education

Education is an essential step for the proper rehabilitation of refugees. It can teach them the soft and hard skills needed to lead fulfilling lives. Due to financial crunch and other problems, Somali refugees lack the resources to receive quality education. This ultimately affects their future in the country.

Housing Challenges

Adequate housing is one of the biggest challenges this community faces. Financial conditions, language barriers, and lack of understanding of local laws make it difficult for Somali refugees to secure proper houses. Even when they get proper housing, they tend to face frequent evictions.

Two men working at a donation drive.


Legal Troubles

Refugees require legal advice to become integrated into society. They need a valid visa and permission from the government to live legally in the country. Unfortunately, most refugees generally don’t have the funds they need to get proper legal advice.

Employment Barriers

Due to the problems mentioned above, Somali refugees also have trouble securing proper jobs. With some help, they can become legal residents and receive quality education to secure better-paying jobs.

Somali Refugee Community in Ohio Needs Your Kindness

Somali refugees may have fled the problems they were facing back home, but they’re still far from being settled in the US. They need your support to become contributing members of society.

You can help them by donating or volunteering with Somali Community Link. It’s a non-profit organization based in Ohio that facilitates Somali refugees' resettlement and rehabilitation process. You can help them with education funding, housing needs, and refugee employment programs.

Visit their website to learn more about this cause and volunteer and donate.

 

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