MCC - Refugee Services

There are over 122 million forcibly displaced people worldwide who have been forced to leave their homes, fleeing persecution, violence, and conflict. Over the last 12 months, over 100,000 people made their way to the United States in search of safety. As one of the largest refugee resettlement agencies in Minnesota, MCC has a long history of exceptional work, providing newcomers with the hope and support they need to begin the next chapter of their lives in the United States since 1984.  

This year has been one of the busiest in MCC’s history - over the past 12 months, we’ve resettled 950 refugees and special immigrant visa holders through our resettlement program, and served thousands through our employment, legal services, and extended services programs. Our resettlement program has welcomed families from 22 different countries, with nearly a quarter of them coming from Central America. We remain committed to serving the growing Afghan community in Minnesota since thousands were evacuated in 2021.  We also continue to serve Ukrainians arriving in Minnesota with humanitarian parole, as they flee the invasion of their country, and have served thousands of Ukrainians across our programs in the last two years.  

We cannot do this work 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. Next year, we are slated to serve nearly 1,000 new arrivals – that means that whether federal policy changes or not, we need to be prepared to accommodate these families with housing, furniture, winter clothes, and all the other necessities they need to begin their new lives in the United States.  

This November's election has put refugees, parolees, and anyone else in the US fleeing violence and persecution abroad into an even more precarious position. New Americans are facing threats of violence, mass deportation, and the shutdown of the U.S. Refugee Admissions program. The next few years promise to be a difficult time for New Americans, regardless of status, and for the organizations that serve them, but MCC Refugee Services has made it through uncertain times before. We are proud to have supported refugee families then and are determined to continue serving them in the future. This work is made possible through the commitment of the individuals, organizations, and communities throughout the Twin Cities to welcoming and supporting their new neighbors.  

Going into our 40th year of service, we are proud to continue to offer opportunities and support to refugees, special immigrant visa holders, and asylees, especially during such a hostile political climate. Your support is necessary now more than ever to ensure that refugees in Minnesota are welcomed, supported, and given everything they need to thrive in the United States.