District of Columbia

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) serves to transition District of Columbia refugees from dependency on public assistance to self-sufficiency. The organization focuses on refugees eligible for the US Refugee Resettlement Program, which is administered by the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), State, and Health and Human Services (HHS).

ORR provides: temporary assistance to needy families; refugee cash assistance; medical assistance; employment services; language training; foster care placement; services to victims of human trafficking; and repatriation services. It oversees the Refugee Unaccompanied Minors Program. ORR collaborates with a network of service providers to provide these services and ensure that refugees receive the necessary support and assistance.

The website lists eligibility requirements, which include possession of a qualifying I-94 by certain refugees, parolees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and asylees. Qualifying unaccompanied minors enter the program by referral from the Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service (LIRS). Eligible adult clients and families receive referrals by third parties, such as attorneys. The factsheet covers the basics of program services and requirements, and provides contact information.

CDC Lead Poisoning Prevention in Newly Arrived Refugee Children: Tool Kit

An increasing number of refugee children develop elevated blood lead levels after entering the United States. In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Lead Poisoning Prevention Program in conjunction with the Office of Refugee Resettlement developed this tool kit. Included are modules for refugee resettlement workers and medical providers, along with resources for both.

CDC Lead Poisoning Prevention in Newly Arrived Refugee Children: Tool Kit

I Welcome: Refugee Rights Toolkit

I Welcome: Refugee Rights Toolkit. An Amnesty International USA toolkit that focuses on building support for Syrian refugees in your community. Includes: draft letters to your local council member or newspaper editor, a draft resolution for your city council, talking points to educate your community and/or elected officials about refugees, and other advice for taking action in your community.