Tips

HOUSING AND FURNISHINGS COMMITTEE

1) What to consider when seeking out housing:

Temporary:

* Having the refugee(s) stay with a host family is often a very good way for the refugee family to form a close bond with Americans from the very beginning. However, the family should be moved into permanent housing as soon as possible.

* Make sure the temporary housing is suitable to the family size.

* The host family should familiarize themselves with the refugees’ cultural and food needs (contact Bridge for more information).

* A member of the host family should be present at the cultural orientation meeting with a Bridge representative.

Permanent:

* Before the family arrives, look around for permanent housing possibilities.

* When the time is right, usually the first or second week, move the family into permanent housing. when looking for housing, consider proximity of the location to the following:

Bus line

Work (is walking to work possible?)

Stores, especially grocery

Sponsorship Committee members

Most important: Will the family be able to afford it when the sponsorship ends?

* DO NOT sign a lease before the family arrives. Sometimes arrival is unexpectedly delayed; sometimes the refugees choose to move away soon after arrival

2) HOW TO... Have utilities connected

Call KUB (524-2911) to order service. Usually everything can be done with just a phone call. They will ask for information about the renter and the address of the apartment or house. There is a $20 hook-up fee and a $100 deposit for service, both of which will be included on the first month’s bill (no up-front payment). Usually it takes one or two days for service (utilities are hooked up Monday through Friday).

3) HOW TO... Have phone service connected

Call BellSouth (557-6500) ) to have service connected. There is a $41.50 connection fee and $75 deposit.

Note: We recommend that you have long distance blocked for the first month or two ($2.20 charge per month), and supply the family with a few phone cards so that they can call loved ones. Most refugees will be shocked at the cost of long distance calls from the United States. Please wait to add long distance until the refugees have a better understanding of the costs.

Have extra donations? Use them to help other refugee families! Bridge Refugee and Sponsorship Services has a system with Goodwill Industries where your donations can become gift certificates for refugee families. Call Bridge for more information (540-1311).