MCC - Refugee Services

It has been a big year for MCC Refugee Services….

World crises have had dramatic impacts on communities oversees. This impact has been seen locally as thousands forced to flee from their homes and countries have made their way to Minnesota in the past year. MCC has been at the fore of welcoming and serving the emergent needs of newcomers in our community, to offer hope and opportunity in Minnesota.

October marked the beginning of the 2024 fiscal year, a year in which we expect to welcome and resettle 850 refugees from around the world! That means we must find 300 homes to accommodate new families and individuals. In addition to growing number of arrivals overall from 20+ countries, we are pleased to be able to welcome those from Central America who have been newly able to qualify for refugee status in the U.S.  

While we welcome growing numbers of refugees from around the world, we continue our commitment to serving the growing Afghan community in Minnesota since thousands were evacuated in 2021. MCC Refugee Services is supporting hundreds of individuals in their application process for permanent immigration status, so they may make Minnesota their permanent home. We are providing housing stability and case management services to help families overcome economic and social barriers.  We are very pleased to continue to support the community building efforts of the Afghan community in Minnesota as community members band together for a stronger community.

We also continue to serve Ukrainians arriving in Minnesota with humanitarian parole, as they flee the invasion of their country.  Since June 2022, MCC Refugee Services has served over 800 Ukrainians across our case management, employment, education and economic assistance programs. This work continues in 2024, with key focuses on supporting TPS and asylum applications and ensure housing stability of Ukrainians living in Minnesota.  

We could not do it alone! The abundant support of our communities and partners makes it possible for us to respond to people’s immediate needs quickly and confidently. Your support provides stability for people in their new homes; helps families celebrate holidays and cultural traditions together; and allows newcomers to start working sooner to support themselves and their families.

The past several years have proven that worldwide crises have impact locally and emerge unexpectedly. Your support allows us to broaden our services to provide safety and welcome for people coming from overseas emergencies as Minnesota continues to welcome those in need of a safe new home.