Grant Details

The purpose of the Preferred Communities Program is as follows: to support resettlement of newly arriving refugees with the best opportunities for their self-sufficiency and integration into new communities; to support the development of the national voluntary agencies' capacity to address refugee cases with special or unique needs that require more intensive case management; and to develop new capacity and provide resources for national voluntary agencies to cover the costs of changing community placements so that refugees, including those with special or unique needs, are placed in a particular site where they will have the best chance for integration. 

Applicants may apply to support resettlement in new communities targeted to geographic sites or special populations agreed to in consultation with the Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Preferred Communities are proposed or selected localities that have excellent opportunities for newly arriving refugees to achieve early employment and sustained economic independence without public assistance. Preferred Communities should have a history of low welfare utilization by refugees. In addition, refugees should have the potential for earned income at a favorable level relative to the cost of living and to public assistance benefits. 

Characteristics of these communities include:

• a moderate cost of living; 
• excellent employment opportunities in a strong, entry-level labor market; 
• affordable housing and transportation accessible for employment; 
• low secondary out-migration rates for refugees; 
• communities that meet the religious needs of arriving populations; 
• local community support and positive reception for the refugees; 
• receptive school environments; and 
• other related community features that contribute to a favorable quality of life for arriving refugees, such as excellent medical facilities. 

Examples of special populations needing intensive case management may include, at a minimum, youth and young adults without parents or permanent guardians who have spent an unusually long period under refugee camp conditions; refugees experiencing social or psychological conditions, including emotional trauma resulting from war; Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender (LGBT) refugees; refugees who are HIV-positive; or other populations with physical disabilities or medical conditions identified and determined by PRM and ORR as needing intensive case management. Culturally and linguistically appropriate linkages and coordination with other service providers are necessary to improve access to services and enhance the likelihood of their integration into new communities.