Woman with headscarf holding hands in a heart

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me."
- Matthew 25:35

Welcoming the Stranger
Refugee Resettlement Services

Commonwealth Catholic Charities provides refugee resettlement services in partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the largest refugee resettlement agency in the world.

Refugees are approved by the U.S. government to seek safety and security within the United States. After fleeing violence, persecution, and war refugees often arrive with very few resources but Commonwealth Catholic Charities is here to help them rebuild their lives and journey towards U.S. citizenship.

A mom and her two sons looking at an ipad together

Refugee Resettlement

CCC helps new refugee arrivals to settle into their new lives in Virginia. After enduring the loss of their homes, livelihoods, possessions, and often even families, they are ready to for a fresh start in their new community.

From the moment they step off the plane, CCC is there to help each individual and family navigate the next steps in their journey with dignity.

"A person's dignity does not depend on them being a citizen, a migrant, or a refugee. Saving the life of someone fleeing war and poverty is an act of humanity."

- Pope Francis

Programs & Services

CCC helps refugees adjust to their new lives in Virginia by providing a variety of supportive services including:

Locating and furnishing a home
Rental assistance
Mental and physical health care
English language classes
Employment and work-readiness
Enrolling children in school
Social services and community support
Legal services towards citizenship

Serving a global population in Virginia

Worldwide there are now more than 36 million refugees. Only a small fraction of these individuals are admitted to the United States. Typically, refugees are resettled in areas where they have relatives or other connections. CCC resettles refugees in the Richmond, Roanoke, and Hampton Roads areas where there are a range of cultural and community networks to help newcomers integrate.

CCC serves refugees coming from countries around the world including, Afghanistan, Burundi, Columbia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Iran, Mali, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Syria, Sudan, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe.

If the “dream” of a peaceful world is shared by all, if the refugees’ and migrants’ contribution is properly evaluated, then humanity can become more and more of a universal family and our earth a true “common home.”

- Pope John Paul II

How to help

For more than a decade, CCC has welcomed refugees and migrants with the support of our Catholic parishes and schools. If you would like to become involved there are many ways to help!