Milwaukee, WI – Hanan Refugees Relief Group and Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) are opening a refugee resettlement center in Milwaukee that is expected to launch this summer and take in 100 new arrivals within a 12-month period. It will operate the Reception & Placement program for the city.
The proposal for the center was put forth by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and approved by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). IRC will guide IRUSA as they become a national VOLAG, creating resettlement agencies around the nation.
On account of Hanan’s reputation for helping refugees transition into new housing, education, and employment, the nonprofit organization will be the first resettlement agency under IRUSA and will eventually be the first ever Muslim-based organization that transitioned into a U.S. resettlement agency.
Executive Director Sheila Badwan of Hanan Refugees Relief Group is grateful to see her team go from a small community-based effort to a critical component of this nationwide refugee resettlement reform.
“After six years of grassroots organizing and community building, Hanan is honored to receive this approval to help welcome our newest Milwaukee neighbors. Hanan looks forward to working with Islamic Relief USA and IRC in this partnership.”
Sharif Aly, CEO of Islamic Relief USA, expressed a similar sentiment of gratitude upon receiving PRM’s approval.
“We are pleased to see the approval of the refugee resettlement center by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. This is a crucial step in helping all the organizations involved provide the highest level of services and programs to some of the most vulnerable populations seeking help and safety from dire circumstances in their homelands. This center can help them toward a path of self sustainability and a bright future in their new surroundings. We look forward to fulfilling this mission.”
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, representatives from Milwaukee Public Schools, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, and others expressed support for the collaboration.
“Hanan has previously partnered with IRUSA since the beginning of the Afghan refugee crisis to resettle incoming Afghans as well as support walk-in clients,” said Mayor Johnson. “Hanan has been providing wrap-around services to refugees in Milwaukee since the Syrian refugee crisis and collaborates with local community groups, other resettlement agencies, and state officials to help provide their services to those in need. Recently they have received funding to support programs for Afghan refugee women clients. Overall, they have a track record of success when it comes to helping individuals and families resettle in the Milwaukee area.”
Director of Bureau of Refugee Programs & State Refugee Coordinator Bojana Zorić Martinez conveyed readiness to collaborate with the center’s relevant stakeholders.
“We believe that this partnership will add value to our community, and we look forward to working with IRC and IRUSA staff and partners to support newcomers in the U.S. My team and I are happy to provide guidance and support to Hanan as we collaborate to foster an environment that is conducive to integration while promoting a safe and accessible life in Wisconsin.”
