APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Some of the nearly 400 Afghan refugees coming to Wisconsin are expected to settle in the Fox Valley area. The City of Appleton’s common council passed a resolution stating they will assist the refugees that arrive.
Nearly 100 refugees from Afghanistan could soon find a permanent safe haven in Appleton and Oshkosh. In preparations, Appleton City Council has created a resolution stating the city will do whatever necessary to assist with emergency resettlement.
“They had worked with our soldiers, sometimes at very high risk to themselves and their families,” said Appleton alder Denise Fenton.
“Just as we made the Hmong community welcomed years ago, we wanted to make sure these folks felt welcomed in the city.”
While the resolution is just a formal way for the council to show support, Fenton tells FOX 11 the city has already been working on how they will assist the families.
“No fewer than five city departments were represented in the joint commission of resettlement. So the city was already making preparations to welcome these individuals.”
Fenton says Appleton’s Community and Economic Development Committee, Diversity, Equity and inclusion Coordinator and Valley Transit already were working with World Relief Fox Valley. The group has operated in the Appleton and Oshkosh areas for nine years helping re-settle refugees.
“That they desired to take this initiative on their own to take a position and a statement on behalf of city council that this is important work, this important to our community, and our leaders stand behind this effort,” said Tami McLaughlin, World Relief Fox Valley director.
McLaughlin says the organization has a history of resettling refugees from the Middle East. She tells FOX 11 it will take more than the organization’s help to welcome them to the region.
“They’re coming with trauma. We know they’re probably coming in despair and distress. They all are leaving a homeland they love, family members, professions that will not equate here.
World Relief Fox Valley will also assist in setting up families temporarily with food shares and W-2 forms, if needed.
The resolution passed by an 11-2 vote.
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