Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) applauds the Biden-Harris administration for its presidential determination to begin resettling 62,500 refugees this year. We look forward to helping individuals and families from around the world rebuild their lives in San Diego in safety and with dignity.

JFS was founded 103 years ago on the tradition of “Welcoming the Stranger” and aiding refugees, and we are proud to continue today as one of the primary refugee resettlement agencies in San Diego County. Refugees and immigrants strengthen our social fabric and make San Diego – and our country – more prosperous and resilient in a changing world.

In the 2019-2020 federal fiscal year, JFS assisted 129 refugees and Special Immigrant Visa new arrivals. We are actively preparing for the increase of refugees resettled in our region, while continuing to prioritize public health, and are grateful for numerous dedicated volunteers and ongoing community support.

Additional funding is needed from the government and private philanthropy to make this work possible, including for increased staffing and longer-term services for resettled refugees with permanent homes in San Diego. To donate, visit www.jfssd.org/givetoday. To volunteer, visit www.jfssd.org/helpnow.

There are roughly 80 million displaced men, women and children around the world who remain in immediate danger – fleeing war, persecution and more. This new presidential determination is an important step in honoring our country’s history as a nation established by refugees and built by generations of immigrants.

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