As we close out Fiscal Year 2024 ending September 30, Hello Neighbor is proud to reflect on an incredible year of growth, compassion, resiliency, service, and community building. Over the past year, we welcomed 409 refugees to Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, providing crucial support and resources to help our newest neighbors thrive. On the very last day of the federal fiscal year, we were honored to greet three new families at the Pittsburgh Airport from Iran, Syria, and Venezuela, marking the end of a very busy and successful resettlement year.

In just three years as a federally recognized resettlement agency through U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Hello Neighbor has had the privilege of welcoming 759 new neighbors to the Pittsburgh area. 

However, our impact extends far beyond just those three years. Since our founding in 2017, we have served over 3,000 refugees and immigrants from 50 countries of origin, working tirelessly to provide the resources, guidance, and community support needed to help them transition from surviving to thriving in their new homes.

This year, the U.S. reached an important milestone: For the first time in over 30 years, our country resettled 100,000 refugees. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and determination of teams like ours at Hello Neighbor, as well as resettlement agencies across the country, welcome groups, and community sponsorship initiatives. It also reflects the strength of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which is built on partnerships and the true sense of welcoming and belonging across the country.

Each year, the President of the United States sets a target for refugee admissions through the Presidential Determination. For the past four years, the number has been set at 125,000. While we have yet to reach this target, reaching the 100,000 mark this past year is an important step in restoring and expanding the U.S. resettlement program to its full potential. It underscores the importance of collaboration between resettlement agencies, community partners, and the government in welcoming refugees with dignity and respect.

As we look ahead to Fiscal Year 2025, we are more determined than ever to continue building a welcoming Pittsburgh for all. The work we do is only possible thanks to our incredible staff, board, volunteers, donors, community partners, and supporters who believe in our mission and stand with us in welcoming new neighbors.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us create a more inclusive, supportive, and vibrant community for refugees and immigrants. Together, we are making a lasting impact, one family at a time.

For those interested in exploring partnership opportunities, please reach out to Sloane Davidson, Founder and CEO of Hello Neighbor at sloane@helloneighbor.io.