The Preferred Communities (PC) program supports refugee and ORR-eligible populations with challenging needs that require special attention, including those with serious medical conditions, women at risk, and elderly refugees.
The majority of refugees find themselves well on the path to economic independence after enrolling in employment programs. However, the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program also resettles a number of extremely vulnerable individuals who need additional assistance to successfully integrate. For these individuals, the Preferred Communities program offers intensive case management to overcome barriers as they acclimate to life in the U.S. and learn to manage the difficulties they face on their own.
Participating in the Program
The program provides critical interventions and services for refugees with special needs who have arrived within the past five years.
Through Preferred Communities, ORR helps vulnerable populations such as:
- Those experiencing psychological conditions, including emotional trauma resulting from war and other violence
- Young adults without parents or permanent guardians who have been displaced for extended periods of time
- Older adults without a family support system
- Those with physical disabilities or medical conditions
Services include:
- Long-term case management
- Health and medical interventions
- Mental health interventions
- Social adjustment services
The program also provides resources to assist specialized service providers further develop their capacity to place vulnerable refugees in specific areas of the country where there will be better served.
Program Administration
Through a competitive discretionary process, Preferred Communities program grants are awarded to eligible non-profit organizations. The current grant recipients are nine of the domestic resettlement agencies holding agreements with the Department of State to provide Reception and Placement services to refugees. The resettlement agencies in turn administer the Preferred Communities program through their local affiliates throughout the U.S.
Resettlement Agency Grant Recipients
- Church World Service: New York, NY
- Episcopal Migration Ministries: New York, NY
- Ethiopian Community Development Council: Arlington, VA
- Global Refuge: Baltimore MD (formerly LIRS)
- HIAS: Silver Spring, MD
- International Rescue Committee: New York, NY
- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Washington, D.C.
- U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants: Arlington, VA
- World Relief: Baltimore, MD
Current projects for the Preferred Communities program run for five years.
View the Preferred Communities Program Guidelines (PDF)
Contact Information
drsprograms@acf.hhs.gov