Programs / Refugee Resettlement
A warm welcome, a strong start.
Our Refugee RESET program helps refugees and humanitarian arrivals rebuild their lives in greater South Bend.
Program status: As of October 1, 2026, the URC has notified Church World Service that it will resettle only new clients that are joining their families in Northern Indiana. A full policy statement will be provided in the coming week.
Walking with families through their first 90 days
As an affiliate of Church World Service, URC works with the U.S. State Department to guide each family from arrival to stability. Faith communities have welcomed displaced families to South Bend since the Vietnam era, and URC reopened resettlement here in 2021.
Questions? Contact us via email urc@urcsjc.org
What we provide
✔ Safe, furnished housing, stocked before arrival
✔ Airport welcome, a warm meal and home orientation
✔ Help applying for benefits and health care
✔ School enrollment and English assessment
✔ Job readiness and employment connections
✔ Trained volunteers alongside every family
35+
Afghan evacuees assisted since 2021
150+
Ukrainians supported
200+
Afghan resettled since 2021
What to expect when you arrive
01
Assignment
Church World Service matches the family with URC.
02
Before arrival
We prepare housing, food, school needs and volunteers.
03
Arrival day
We meet you at South Bend International Airport.
04
First 24 hours
A home visit to start benefits, health and school plans.
05
First 90 days
Case management and volunteers toward self-sufficiency.
Ways to help
Co-sponsor a family
Gather your congregation or friends to walk with one family for six months.
Donate items
Furniture, kitchen goods and gift cards that turn an apartment into a home.
Ukrainian Outreach
Support for eligible Ukrainians and sponsors in Northern Indiana.