In Oregon, refugee resettlement began in 1975, when migrants from Vietnam started coming, fleeing the aftermath of the Vietnam War. During the first ten years of refugees in Oregon, families were settled in different parts of the state, including Salem. By 1985, the refugee resettlement programs were more developed, and the vast majority of refugees were placed in the Portland area. This continued for 30 years, but by 2015, the cost of living in Portland was so high that refugee resettlement had become extremely difficult. Catholic Charities, the main nonprofit involved in the effort, expanded to Salem.
Salem for Refugees is Born
In 2016, “Salem Leadership Foundation, Catholic Charities, and Salem Alliance Church [began to] host gatherings called ‘Welcoming our New Neighbors,’ bringing together community leaders, churches, and organizations to coordinate support for refugees in Salem.” It’s following these gatherings that Salem for Refugees is born.
From 2016 to 2020, the group grew, creating a network of volunteers, nonprofits, churches, and other parties interested in helping refugee resettlement. By 2021, Salem for Refugees became an official Refugee Resettlement Agency. Because of the great work of Salem for Refugees, they opened a satellite office in Corvallis, Corvallis for Refugees, doing the same kinds of work of refugee resettlement in the Corvallis area. In 2025, all refugee settlement in the United States was halted by the federal government, so the work of Salem for Refugees currently focuses on those who are currently living in the community.
The Work of Salem for Refugees
Helping refugees acclimate to a new home, with typically a new language and different expectations, can be a huge challenge. Being a refugee means families typically come with few belongings or resources, and have had to leave their homes because of war or disaster in their home countries. The core services that Salem for Refugees provides include housing placement and rental assistance, so that refugees are welcomed into their own apartment or house upon arrival with the items they will need initially. This takes up a good chunk of the budget of the organization, because Salem for Refugees pays rent for the first months families arrive in the United States.
Legal fees are another important part of the budget of Salem for Refugees. Families need help getting the proper documentation to be able to stay in the United States. Salem for Refugees assists all of the families that pass through to navigate the challenging American healthcare system and get set up with the doctors and help they need.
Some refugees speak English when they arrive, but many need to take English classes – those are provided free through the organization.
Finally, Salem for Refugees has a Youth and Student Services division that specifically focuses on the needs of school-aged refugees, getting them settled in school and offering camp scholarships and sports. For all ages, the group provides bus passes and helps with job applications and training.
Even though Salem for Refugees isn’t helping new refugees settle because of the moratorium on refugees entering the United States, the organization accomplished a lot just in the last year. In 2025, 433 people applied for green cards through Salem for Refugees. Staff helped them fill out the paperwork, and volunteer doctors were able to provide documentation and sign immunization forms for those applying.
Salem for Refugees Offers Children’s Programs
Children and youth are an important focus of Salem for Refugees. All Nations Soccer Camp is one of the amazing programs through Salem for Refugees. Last summer, 110 children participated. The group also runs a tutoring program at the YMCA, where refugee kids are tutored by their peers.
They also take field trips to the Oregon Zoo and OMSI as part of the program. Salem for Refugees also partners with neighborhood nonprofits and churches to help get students into summer camps, including one specifically for English language learners. For the seven students who graduated from high school last year, Salem for Refugees threw a party for them and their families.
Salem for Refugees is always looking for volunteers and donations, and they hold different fundraising events throughout the year. However you’d like to support this amazing organization, there is a way for you to do it!
Salem for Refugees
1400 Broadway Street NE, Salem
503.714.1339
