Resources for Refugee Resettlement Service Providers
As some refugee resettlement agencies and community-based organizations (CBOs) begin to resume or increase their level of activities, CDC offers considerations for ways these organizations can help protect individuals and communities and slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
This document provides links to existing CDC COVID-19 guidance and other resources that may be useful when resettlement service providers interact with refugee clients in a variety of group settings — for example, at home, at school, in a doctor’s office, or at work. Some of these resources will also be useful for refugee clients. This document will be updated when new CDC COVID-19 Guidance becomes available.
The following three resources may be used by both resettlement service providers and refugee clients in any of the settings below:
Home Visits
Resettlement service providers, such as case workers, may conduct home visits with refugee clients. These case workers may enter the refugee’s home and be in the shared living space with several family members. Several people may be present in the home at the same time.
CDC Guidance Resources:
Classroom Environments
Resettlement service providers may have classrooms within their offices to provide essential services to clients including classes on cultural orientation, English as a second language (ESL) instruction, and employment readiness training. Providers may currently be providing these services remotely; however, in the event that services resume in person at a later date, a group setting is possible.
CDC Guidance Resources:
Health Appointments
Each resettlement community operates differently, but many resettlement agency providers are connected with their county health departments, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and culturally competent private medical providers in their areas. Refugee health clinics typically have waiting rooms where several refugee patients may be waiting with their families at the same time for appointments.
CDC Guidance Resources:
Public and Private Transportation
Refugee clients may rely heavily on public transportation. Public transportation may involve crowded situations. Resettlement service providers may travel with clients in personal vehicles as well.
CDC Guidance Resources
- Cleaning and disinfection for non-emergency transport vehicles
- Non-emergency transportation for tribal communities
- Protect yourself when using transportation (public transit and personal vehicles)
School Enrollment
Resettlement service providers assist refugee youth to enroll in school, which may take place in an environment with other people present.
CDC Guidance Resources:
Public Assistance and Social Security Application Registration
Resettlement service providers may help clients apply for public assistance and social security cards, which may take place in an environment with other people present either at a resettlement office or at a public, off-site location.
CDC Guidance Resources:
Additional Resources
COVID-19 in Newly Resettled Refugee Populations
CDC Communication Toolkit for Migrants, Refugees, and Other Limited-English-Proficient Populations
Cultural Orientation Resource Exchange (CORE) Frequently Asked Questionsexternal icon
CORE’s inventory of other translated COVID-19 information for refugeesexternal icon