This year has brought significant changes in refugee resettlement and immigration policies, leading to increased uncertainty for refugees and challenges for the organizations that support them. The current landscape is unlike anything we’ve seen before.

While the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program has been suspended, the underlying causes of displacement – war, conflict, and persecution – are not going away. The ongoing need to walk alongside those seeking refuge will remain, relying on communities to offer guidance, stability, and hope to those rebuilding their lives.

Last fall, Refugee Care Collective announced a shift in our programming – transitioning from leading our flagship Restart Kits and Mentorship Programs to focusing on building out a more sustainable approach to refugee care for communities in and beyond Oregon. This transition has been both timely and essential, especially in light of recent political changes.

Earlier this year, we completed a series of focus group discussions with several dozen resettled families, mentors, community partners, and faith leaders. These conversations offered meaningful insights that are helping shape the development of the tools and resources we are designing to empower communities to respond.

Here are some of the resources we are looking forward to providing so that local families, faith communities, neighborhood groups, and individuals can better support our displaced neighbors:

• Navigating Systems Checklist & Guidebook for small groups to use collaboratively as they navigate complex systems and walk through steps to ensure a family’s essential needs are addressed.

• “Essentials” video series providing a comprehensive introduction to refugee care with practical guidance.

• Community engagement resources that address common barriers to involvement and offer actionable steps for meaningful support.

• Educational tools that provide a framework for understanding refugee resettlement and immigration, the root causes of displacement, and how communities can effectively respond.

• Training materials to support building trust and rapport across languages and cultural differences.

• Story-based content to amplify the voices of resettled families and what they wish others understood about their experiences, including the profound importance of friendship in helping our neighbors feel welcomed, supported, and connected.

We also recognize that division and fear are quietly reshaping how many people view their refugee and immigrant neighbors. We’re renewing our commitment to helping communities respond with empathy and care – guided by their deepest values and hopes for a just and united world.

In this time of uncertainty and transition, we are still guided by the same values and call to respond. As widespread changes continue to unfold, we are grateful for the opportunity to create lasting resources, expanding our reach to come alongside those seeking refuge, safety, and hope, in Oregon and beyond.