What is a Refugee?

  • Refugees are forced to flee their countries because of persecution, war or violence. There is no choice. They run to find safety.

  • A refugee’s escape to a neighboring country is often dangerous and traumatic. Those who survive live temporarily in a refugee camp or other shelter—waiting to hear if a new country will grant them entry. Their average wait is 17 years—but it can be up to 30. Several of our families waited for more than 20 years.

  • Only 1% of refugees are resettled to a new country each year. Being welcomed into a new country gives them an opportunity to start over again in a safe place.

  • Before the U.S. agrees to admit them into our country, refugees are fully vetted by the Department of Homeland Security Office of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The Reality About Refugees

  • The world is facing a refugee and displacement crisis since World War II. (UNICEF)

  • There are 21.3 million refugees and 65.6 million forcibly displaced people around the world. (World Relief)

  • Less than 1% of refugees worldwide are ever resettled. (World Relief)

  • 1 of every 200 children worldwide is now a refugee. (UNICEF)

The Statistics We Fight to Change

  • Worldwide, only 61% of refugee children go to primary school, compared with 92% of non-refugees. Among refugees that finish primary school, only 23% progress to high school, compared to 84% of children globally.

  • Only 1% of refugee children are enrolled in higher education on average, compared to 37% globally. (Source: UNHCR)

Countries of Origin for Tri-Cities

  • Afghanistan

  • Myanmar

  • Colombia

  • Cuba

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • El Salvador

  • Guatemala

  • Honduras

  • Iran

  • Iraq

  • Somalia

  • Sudan

  • Syria

  • Ukraine

  • Venezuela

In 2022, more than 300 refugees came to the Tri-Cities to begin a new life, and the same is projected in 2023.

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Donations to B5 nonprofit are vital for providing direct assistance, enhancing programs, promoting accessibility, empowering families, creating community impact, and instilling hope. Your contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of the families we serve, helping them overcome challenges, build resilience, and create a brighter future where they can thrive.