The dire plight of displaced people from around the world has led several of us in Haines to wonder about the possibility of sponsoring refugees in Haines. Though it is an involved process that must meet a number of State and Federal criteria in order to be approved, successful refugee resettlement has occurred in the past. Two hundred Afghan refugees have been placed in Delta Junction where family ties played an important part. In the 1980s Haines hosted an Iranian family who escaped from the Ayatollah Khomeini thanks to the efforts of local Baha’i members.
Mayor Doug Olerud suggested I contact the statewide director of refugee services, Issa Spatrisano in Anchorage. She has offered to come to Haines to explain the process, requirements, and answer any questions if there is interest. If anyone would like to explore this further, let me know at 907-766-3698.
James Axel Wilson