Fleeing Conflict and Seeking Safety

Ahmad is originally from Syria, where life was once stable for him and his family. As the conflict escalated, they were forced to flee to neighboring Lebanon in search of safety. While in Lebanon, Ahmad endured extreme hardship, including a traumatic kidnapping experience. After his release, he sought protection through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and submitted a resettlement application.

Ahmad completed his first resettlement interview in 2016. What followed was a long and uncertain wait of nearly nine years before his case was finally approved. In 2024, after a difficult journey from Lebanon through Istanbul, Ahmad and his family arrived in the United States.

Arriving in the United States

Starting over in a new country brought understandable anxiety. From the moment Ahmad and his family arrived, they were met with care and dignity. IRC staff welcomed them at the airport and brought them to a fully prepared home stocked with furniture, essential household items, hot food, and groceries. This immediate support provided a sense of safety and relief after years of displacement and instability.

Support During a Food Crisis

One of the most critical moments in Ahmad’s resettlement journey came when his family’s SNAP benefits were unexpectedly closed. Late one night, the family found themselves without any food in the house. Faced with an urgent crisis, Ahmad reached out to IRC staff to explain the situation.

Despite the late hour, IRC responded immediately. Staff arranged for hot meals to be delivered that same night, ensuring the family did not go without food. The following day, IRC also provided groceries to help stabilize the situation while the SNAP issue was addressed. This timely response was not only practical but also a powerful reminder that the family was not alone during one of their most vulnerable moments.

Preventing Housing Instability

At the same time as the food crisis, Ahmad and his family were facing a serious housing emergency. Their rent was past due, and they were at risk of losing their home. IRC intervened by providing rental assistance, allowing the family to remain housed during an extremely stressful and uncertain period. This support was critical to maintaining stability and preventing further disruption to their resettlement journey.

Building Independence Through Employment

While navigating urgent food and housing challenges, Ahmad also received employment support through IRC. His employment specialist worked closely with him, offering encouragement and hands-on assistance throughout the job search process. She went above and beyond her responsibilities by driving Ahmad to interviews and job opportunities and by continuously supporting him until he secured employment.

After working for some time, Ahmad was able to save money and continue searching for a position aligned with his professional skills. He eventually secured a job in his field and was able to purchase a car, which further strengthened his independence. Today, Ahmad’s employer has recognized his dedication and skills and has informed him that a promotion is forthcoming.

Moving From Survival to Stability

Because of IRC’s timely and compassionate support, especially during moments of food insecurity and housing instability, Ahmad was able to move from survival toward stability. With the right support at critical moments, he and his family are now building a secure future and working toward long-term self-sufficiency in their new home.