Refugees From Syria, Somalia & Other Countries to be Relocated to Central Maine

In a time when immigrants and refugees are seemingly flooding into the United States in record numbers, the problem continues to be where to house them as they come into the country.

As some places in Maine begin to run out of room for these folks, organizations from around the state are looking for housing alternatives. That's why, according to the Kennebec Journal, about 35 refugees from an array of countries, though primarily Somalia and Syria, will be moving onto a Central Maine campus.

The KJ reports that the move, orchestrated by Catholic Charities of Maine, will move about 35 refugees from hotels in Southern Maine to the campus of Good Will-Hinkley in Fairfield, Maine. Catholic Charities says they plan to meet with the refugees on a regular basis to provide things like vocational services and mental health services, among other things.

In addition to moving into the Good Will-Hinkley Campus while other rental properties are sought for them, several refugee children will be enrolled in school at MSAD 49, the newspaper reported.

MSAD 49 says that they are going to be working with officials from Maine to assist in the transition by acquiring interpretive devices so that the new incoming students can better communicate with teachers and peers.

MSAD 49 Superintendent, Roberta Hersom, said in part about the new students;

“We are working closely with the (Maine Department of Education) to prepare for enrollment in our schools by assisting families with the process once they arrive,” 

Officials say that the 35 refugees that are going to be relocated entered the United States through legal procedure. The KJ goes on to report that the cost of housing the migrants in Fairfield is expected to top $40,000, all of which is said to be covered by funding from the federal government.

The KJ continued its reporting, saying in part in the article,

Good Will-Hinckley, founded in 1889, provides educational opportunities and support to those in need, according to the school’s website. Its director, Gary Dugal, referred questions to Catholic Charities and declined to comment.

Originally, the Greater Portland Council of Governments, had wanted to send asylum seekers to the former Unity College campus, however those plans fell through over the summer.