Switchboard provides tools, learning opportunities, research, and technical assistance covering a range of topics related to the newcomer experience.
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There are many technology tools that can help resettlement staff complete data tasks, but the best tool for you will depend on your specific context. This worksheet offers a series of question prompts that will walk you through important considerations for selecting the right tool, including your organizational context, your goals for the tool, and […]
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Service providers working in housing cultivate many important relationships, including partnerships with landlords. This guide offers providers practical strategies for building and maintaining these partnerships, starting with initial outreach, moving into early support, and continuing with longer-term maintenance. Landlords are essential community partners whose cooperation directly determines the quality and quantity of housing available to […]
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Refugee service providers across the U.S. are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their work and have already found many useful ways to appropriately implement AI tools. But questions and considerations have also emerged: What about data privacy? What if AI gets something wrong? Can technology really fit into work that’s fundamentally about human connection and […]
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Changes in funding, staffing, program policies, and service availability can leave referral information outdated or unclear. When contacts or services are hard to confirm, staff may spend more time searching for information and newcomers may wait longer for support. This tip sheet provides practical steps to help you strengthen your referral network to ensure newcomers […]
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Logic models, including theories of change and logical frameworks (logframes) are valuable project design tools that can help you plan effective resettlement programming. This resource offers three templates you can use or adapt for creating your theory of change, and three for creating your logframe. Each includes examples to guide you in completing your logic […]
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This guide summarizes, as of May 2026, the benefits certain humanitarian immigrants may qualify for through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), including cash and medical assistance, employment services, English language instruction, and other federally funded programs. It outlines available supports for families with children, adults without minor children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities, […]
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Determining whether a newcomer is eligible for Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-funded services can sometimes be a challenge. This resource collection is a starting point for service providers who are new to ORR eligibility requirements and documentation. It does not replace current ORR policy letters, program guidance, or state refugee office instructions. Mainstream public benefits, […]
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This webinar is geared toward direct service staff whose roles include producing case management documentation of client interactions. Supervisors may also benefit from this training to better support staff in maintaining high-quality documentation.
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Thoughtful data collection is essential whether your goal is to carry out research, conduct evaluations, or monitor program performance and impact. A clear, intentional data collection plan helps us make sure we can collect the information we need, draw useful conclusions about our programs, and inform program budgets, staffing needs, and timelines. This document presents […]
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As of January 1, 2026, all newly arrived refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders are eligible to be served under the Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR). This new program, operated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Servies (HHS), provides case management, housing placement, direct financial […]
