As we serve refugee neighbors from around the world, news headlines often become personal stories in our community. We don’t just read the headlines—we know the people. We know their names, their stories, their beauty, and their challenges. Because we walk alongside families every day, we see firsthand what our community truly needs. We want to help you understand what’s happening, how it affects the families we serve, and how you can respond with hope and compassion.
SNAP Benefit Disruption
Due to the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, the USDA has notified all states that no new SNAP (food stamp) benefits will be issued starting November 1, 2025, under current funding. The future of SNAP depends on Congress passing new funding or a continuing resolution to reopen the government. Until that happens, the program’s status remains uncertain.
At Refugee Hope Partners, we are working closely with local partners and volunteers to help bridge the gap by providing food support to refugee families receiving food stamps, connecting families with available community resources, and ensuring no family feels alone during this period of uncertainty.
You can help in a few ways:
Stock local food pantries
Local food pantries are experiencing high demand and lower supply. You can help restock community pantries that many of our families rely on. Please refer to this Food Drive Guide that can be used as a resource.
Give today
As we face these new realities, we’re asking you to continue standing with us. Your partnership helps meet urgent needs like food insecurity and keeps providing programs and relationships that empower families toward long-term stability and belonging. Every dollar given goes directly toward caring for and supporting refugee families here in the Triangle both with immediate urgent needs and future thriving. Donate here.
New Refugee Resettlement Ceiling
Each year, typically before October 1, the President consults with Congress and issues a Presidential Determination establishing the maximum number of refugees who may be admitted to the United States for the upcoming fiscal year. This number can vary annually based on global needs, U.S. capacity, and policy priorities. This year, it has been decided that 7,500 refugees may be admitted through the federal resettlement program which is the lowest number in US history.
At Refugee Hope Partners, we continue to monitor how these updates may affect the number and timing of refugee arrivals in our community. While the long-term impact is still unfolding, our commitment remains the same to welcome and support every family resettled here, helping newcomers find belonging, stability, and hope as they begin their lives in RDU.
We’re not called to simply watch the news, but to pray through it. Let’s lift up those in need, asking God to bring peace and provision, and to fill His people with compassion and unity as we respond.