Social Integration

Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program

The Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program at the Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC) Houston Multicultural Center (HMC) is designed to empower eligible Afghan families in the Greater Houston Area on their journey toward financial stability.

Through the development of healthy savings practices and engagement with mainstream financial institutions, participants can access funds for essential needs such as vehicle purchases, short-term education or vocational training, and rental and utility assistance. This program features a 1:1 matched savings component, allowing families to double their savings toward these goals.

Rental assistance provided through the IDA Program is designed to empower eligible individuals on the path to self-sufficiency. This support is not just about helping with immediate housing costs; it’s an investment in our clients’ future.

By providing rental assistance and participating in financial literacy classes, ECDC HMC aims to ease individuals’ financial burdens, allowing them to save money and allocate resources toward personal and professional goals. Through personalized training in budgeting and savings, families learn to manage their finances effectively, promoting financial literacy and encouraging long-term economic success.

Microenterprise Development (MED) Program

The Microenterprise Development (MED) Program at ECDC Houston Multicultural Center (HMC) supports refugee entrepreneurs in launching and growing small businesses.

Through business development training, technical assistance, and financial literacy workshops, participants gain the skills and resources needed to overcome barriers to business ownership.

Additionally, access to credit-building and microenterprise loans empowers refugees to improve their creditworthiness and achieve long-term financial success, fostering job creation and community enrichment in the Greater Houston Area.

Refugee Family Child Care (RFCC) Program

The Refugee Family Child Care (RFCC) Program at the Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC) Houston Multicultural Center (HMC) provides vital support and plays a pivotal role in empowering refugee women by providing them with the skills and resources needed to become successful business owners.

Through tailored training sessions, women gain essential knowledge in areas such as childcare management, business planning, and financial literacy. These training programs equip participants with the confidence to start their own family childcare services, allowing them to turn their skills and experiences into entrepreneurial ventures. By fostering an understanding of local regulations, marketing strategies, and effective communication, the RFCC program not only helps women launch their businesses but also supports their long-term sustainability.

In addition to business training, the RFCC Program encourages networking and collaboration among participants, creating a supportive community where women can share experiences, challenges, and successes. This sense of camaraderie enhances their entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable connections and mentorship opportunities.

By empowering refugee women through the RFCC Program, ECDC HMC contributes to their financial independence and strengthens their roles as leaders and innovators in their communities. Ultimately, this initiative not only transforms the lives of individual women but also enriches the community as a whole by increasing access to quality childcare services, ensuring that children’s early developmental needs are met. By fostering a nurturing environment that supports children’s growth and learning, the program plays a crucial role in preparing the next generation for future success, while also promoting economic growth.

Refugee Health Promotion (RHP)

Refugee Health Promotion (RHP) is a program designed to enhance the overall health and well-being of refugees and other eligible populations by providing tailored support, education, and outreach. The program takes a client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, ensuring culturally and linguistically appropriate services to address unique health challenges.

Key activities often include:

• Educating individuals on navigating the U.S. healthcare system.

• Providing workshops on health topics such as nutrition, chronic disease prevention, mental health awareness, and maternal and child health.

• Assisting with enrollment in health insurance programs and finding healthcare providers.

• Offering case management services to address specific health concerns and barriers.

The program recognizes that many refugees have spent years in camps or in countries with limited healthcare access and seeks to bridge the gap between their previous experiences and their new environments. By empowering participants with knowledge and resources, RHP fosters self-sufficiency and long-term health improvement.

Eligibility is Afghan Humanitarian Parolees that arrived between July 31,2021 and September 30, 2023

About us

RHP aims to improve health literacy, promote preventive care, and facilitate access to medical and mental health resources.

A primary goal of Refugee Health Promotion is increased mental wellness through building social bonds and developing new skills.