Refugee families from the Congo and Syria will arrive in Central Kentucky in January under a new resettlement program.
Catholic Charities in Lexington is now a part of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops Refugee Resettlement Program. Fifty-one refugees, or 10 to 15 families, expected in the first year begin arriving in January. Federal dollars go to cover lodging, transportation, and food costs for three months.
Director of Catholic Charities Ruslyn Compton said church volunteers help refugees find housing, employment, transportation and education for their children. Some parishioners are already connected with the local Congolese community. “That has really awoken in the parishes this realization of the refugees that are in our midst right now and of their struggles,” said Compton. “And, so, we’ve had a lot of people come forward to offer their help and support.”
The diocese works with Kentucky Refugee Ministries which aims to resettle about 350 people over the same period, she said.