Salem for Refugees has announced a co-sponsorship with Corvallis for Refugees, a new program helmed by Chris McQueen set to begin this year. 

Formed in 2016 as an alternative to religion-based resettlement programs, Salem for Refugees assists families through the process of resettlement. This includes securing housing, employment and English enrollment for those who have fled their countries due to persecution or violence within three months of their arrival.

McQueen’s leadership has helped expand the program to Corvallis, which is already a location a handful of refugee families have resettled in. The agreement between the two branches allows the Corvallis For Refugees program to provide reception and placement services through the cosponsorship of the more established Salem organization.   

As Corvallis For Refugees prepares for its launch, the group will be holding an informational meeting on Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at NW Hills Community Church.

For those interested in supporting the program, Corvallis for Refugees will also host its first of two volunteer training sessions this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Corvallis Community Center. The second meeting will be held at the same location on Jan. 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

For those unable to attend or volunteer but wish to still support Corvallis For Refugees, a donation portal is available on their site. Donating a Restart Kit — a collection of items meant to help set up the homes of refugees — is another way to contribute. Instructions for the kits are available here, and completed kits can be dropped off at LOVE INC. 4900 NW Hwy 99 #102 Corvallis, OR 97330.