Preferred Communities Programs

The Preferred Communities program is designed to support refugees with extensive barriers to self-sufficiency
and who need intensive medical or well-being support.

This program primarily assists single mothers, youth without parents, seniors who lack family support, LGBT individuals, and those with mental health and medical needs.

GAPS Preferred Communities Program

Our Gaps Services department provides crucial assistance to newcomers who arrived through humanitarian parole, many of whom are supported by family and friends who sponsored their applications.

We offer expert guidance to both new arrivals and their sponsors, helping them navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration and benefits systems through targeted programs.

Gap Services include Intake, referral, and assistance to Cuban/Haitian entrants and provides services or 90 days to ORR-eligible Cuban/Haitian entrants and other ORR-eligible populations who have not received R&P services.

Ukrainians granted humanitarian parole (UPH) after February 24, 2022, are now eligible for services and assistance through a new 90-day program from the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement through organizations like ECDC Houston Multicultural Center.

Services include:
· Emergency housing support
· Work authorization application assistance
· Public benefits assistance
· Medical screening and referrals
· Employment services

Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (UHP) Preferred Communities