Interfaith Refugee Ministry
We continue to give thanks to so many of you who continue to uphold us in our ministry. Whether with prayer, monetary donations, or gifts of time and items, please know that you have made such a difference to the over 2800 refugees who came to eastern North Carolina as strangers, were welcomed, and are now part of the fabric of so many lives.
Who is a Refugee?
A person who is outside the country of his/her nationality, who is unable or unwilling to return to that country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Interfaith Refugee Ministry: Celebrating 30 Years of Hope
Update on Refugee Resettlement
What nationalities come to eastern North Carolina through Interfaith Refugee Ministry (IRM)?
In the past year refugees have arrived from Burma, Burundi, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
How many is IRM expecting in 2022? 195
How many arrived through IRM in 2021? 46
How many of those refugees arrived in 2020? 33
What is the largest number of arrivals in 1 year?
In 2007, IRM received 275 refugees. The average was about 170 until 2017.
Who determines the yearly number of refugees who may be admitted to the U.S.?
The President of the U.S. in consultation with Congress, federal agencies and resettlement agencies
What is the projected number nationally for 2022?
The projected number nationally is about 65,000 in addition to the Afghans who have already arrived.
How you can help:
- Link your Harris Teeter VIC Card – our number is 5374
- Shop using our AmazonSmile link, which takes you directly to our Wish List. Order from the website and ship directly to IRM office.
- Share this downloadable fact sheet about Episcopal Church history, policy, and current work with refugees, asylum seekers, and other displaced populations: Episcopal Church Policy on Immigration and Refugee Issues
- VOLUNTEER – If you are interested in tutoring English or Cultural Orientation remotely, please call Amanda Norwood at 252-635-6459 or email [email protected] for more information
- To schedule a speaker remotely for your church or other group, please contact Amanda Norwood at 252-635-6459 or email [email protected]
- Pray for refugees in dark and dangerous places and in our midst:
We thank you for opening the hearts of many to those who are fleeing for their lives. Help us now to open our arms in welcome, and reach out our hands in support. That the desperate may find new hope, and lives torn apart be restored. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ who fled persecution at his birth and at his last triumphed over death. - Author Unknown
