HIAS

HIAS resettles refugees from around the globe. Traditionally, the agency has resettled predominantly Jews from the Former Soviet Union and religious minorities from Iran. Over the past few years, this focus has shifted, and we now resettle refugees from all over the world. Over the past year, our largest case loads were refugees from Burma (Myanmar), Iran and Iraq.

HIAS operates several government programs that ensure refugees have the best opportunities to begin new lives in the United States:

• The Reception and Placement Program provides funds and services for the first 30 days of resettlement. This program also includes 90 days of case monitoring and support, to ensure clients are acclimating to life in the U.S., attending English classes and vocational training, and actively seeking jobs, if applicable. The purpose of the R&P program is to ensure that refugees get on their feet and on the road to self sufficiency after arriving in the U.S.
• The Matching Grant Program matches government funds with goods and services provided by service agencies and outside donors. These funds are used to assist refugees qualified to obtain employment during their job search, and as they begin their new jobs. All of HIAS’ affiliate agencies provide ongoing support to ensure clients have the best chance for a new start in America.

Upon the completion of R&P and/or Matching Grant Services, HIAS affiliate agencies continue to work with their clients to help them improve their lives in the U.S. on an ongoing basis.