July 21, 2016 ~ By Kim Briggeman/Missoulian
It looks like Missoula’s first round of refugees will be from sub-Saharan Africa, not Syria. “We haven’t finalized when they’ll be coming, so I can’t give you specifics, but it will most likely be Congolese to start, Congolese from the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Molly Short Carr said Wednesday. Read more.
DIVIDED AMERICA: In Montana, neighbors at odds over refugees
June 9, 2016 ~ By Sharon Cohen/AP
For the world, the photograph of a Syrian 3-year-old in a red T-shirt and black sneakers, his lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach, was a horrific symbol of the desperation of hundreds of thousands of refugees. For Mary Poole, a young mother haunted by “those little shoes … the little face,” it was an inspiration. Read more.
Small-town America is arguing over whether to welcome Syria’s refugees or fear them
May 24, 2016 ~ By Jared Goyette/PRI
It’s the kind of story that seems rare nowadays, when people increasingly isolate themselves online and unfriend those who have opposing views, rather than share a drink or start a conversation. Read more.
Missoula gearing up for another round of refugees
April 4, 2016 ~ By Kim Briggeman/Missoulian
The two eighth-grade Hmong girls were lost in a world beyond their comprehension. Turns out their student teacher at Missoula’s Franklin Elementary School was, too. Read more.
Soft Landing Nurturing Partnerships, Preparing for Refugees
March 22, 2016 ~ By Martin Kidston/Missoula Current
Missoula may be several months away from accepting its first refugees, but Soft Landing Missoula and other community groups are already working to ensure their arrival and integration goes smoothly. Read more.
The International Rescue Committee Announces Plans to Return to Missoula, Montana
March 18, 2016 ~ The International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) said today that it is laying the groundwork to re-open an office in Missoula, Montana. From 1979-1991, the IRC worked with the Missoula community to welcome and support Hmong refugees. Read more.
Refugee crisis: Soft Landing group initiates plans for Missoula resettlement agency
November 17, 2015 ~ By Kim Briggeman and the Associated Press
It arose from images depicting the brutality of the refugee crisis. About 10 mothers sat in Mary Poole’s living room and expressed their concern and horror at the photographs of children washed ashore. Read more.