Learn more about our refugee programs.

Our mission is to "transform the lives of Houston’s underserved communities by unlocking potential, fostering resilience, and creating pathways to lasting prosperity, ensuring that every individual has the power and resources to shape their own future." Check out our different programs below.

Our Program & Services

Refugee Resettlement Services

We promote a resettlement by offering essential services and tools to enhance clients' self-sufficiency and employability.

Social Integration

With social and economic integration, we equip refugees with the tools needed to integrate into their communities

Our Move Together Pilot Project aims to enhance both the physical and mental well-being of young refugees, aged 15-24.

Youth Mentorship Program

Driver’s Education (DE)

Our Driver’s Education (DE) program is designed to address a critical need for reliable transportation.

Language w/o

Boundaries (LWB)

LWB is an interpretation and translation service provider designed to meet the growing needs of Houston's international community.

English as a Second Language Program (ESL)

The (ESL) Program helps refugees & immigrants develop essential language skills to support their transition to life in the United States.

Refugee Resettlement Services

The primary objective of our Refugee Resettlement Program is to foster self-sufficiency through employment, empowering clients to support themselves while instilling a sense of responsibility and active participation in their new community. Our comprehensive services may include cash assistance, emergency rental aid, transportation, employment services, and orientation with referrals to community resources.

We promote a resettlement model centered around case management, offering essential services and tools to enhance clients' self-sufficiency and employability.

Reception and Placement (R&P) is the starting point for all ECDC Houston Multicultural Center interaction with our refugee clients. The program assists clients for up to 90 days starting with airport pick-up and permanent housing assistance.

Under Reception and Placement, clients receive many initial services to acclimate to life in the US, including cultural orientations, assistance with school enrollment, food security, and assistance with applying for social services like SNAP, Medicaid and Social Security Income.

Reception and Placement (R&P)

• Refugees

• Asylees

• Cuban and Haitian Entrants

• Special Immigrant Visa holders from Iraq & Afghanistan

• Certified victims of severe forms of trafficking

• Certain Amerasians

• Afghan Humanitarian Parolees

• Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees

• Individuals designated as eligible by the director of ORR

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Eligible individuals:

Matching Grant (MG)

Funding source (Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) passthrough Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC).

The Matching Grant Program goal is to help eligible clients attain self-sufficiency within 240 days after date of eligibility for Matching Grant services, without accessing public assistance. Clients receive transitional cash assistance up to 120 days.

Employment is one of the most critical steps for refugees in order to achieve self-sufficiency. Matching Grant assists recently arrived refugees find employment through skills assessment and referrals, job placement, skills training and post-placement follow-up.

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

The program offers tailored case management, mental health services, and access to specialized resources to help these individuals overcome challenges and build a stable, productive life in their new community.

Important Assistance

Have guidance on navigating complex forms and service requests.

An Opportunity to Gather

Cultural Orientation gatherings to help navigate the city and local systems.

HMC has Interpreters for over 80 languages available.

Interpreters

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program at HMC helps refugees and immigrants develop essential language skills to support their transition to life in the United States. In partnership with volunteers from Baylor College of Medicine, our ESL classes provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment where clients can improve their English proficiency, gain confidence, and enhance their ability to communicate in everyday situations.

Program Benefits:

• Beginner and intermediate-level classes tailored to learners’ needs

• Practical language skills for daily life, employment, and community engagement

• A supportive and inclusive learning environment

• Volunteer-led instruction with personalized support

English proficiency is a critical factor in achieving self-sufficiency and long-term success in the U.S.

Through our ESL Program, HMC continues its mission of empowering refugees and immigrants by providing meaningful educational opportunities.

For more information or to enroll, please contact kdorrier@ecdchmc.org