NORTHAMPTON — About a month after the city received its first refugee family, word came Tuesday from those behind resettlement efforts that another is on the way.
Two Congolese brothers, ages 23 and 25, will make the journey to Northampton from Burundi and arrive on April 5. Kathryn Buckley-Brawner, executive director of Springfield’s Catholic Charities, said they’ve lived in a refugee camp in Burundi for nearly 15 years.
David Entin, co-leader of the volunteer group assigned to the incoming family, said “that’s a long time.”
“They deserve better, so we’re excited about doing our part to help,” he said.
Buckley-Brawner said the brothers speak French and Kiswahili, but no English. She said the agency is actively seeking a two-bedroom apartment in Northampton for them to live in.
“We’re hopeful it’s going to be a little easier than last time,” she said.
For months, the volunteer “circle of care” — who all live in two contiguous co-housing units on Florence Road — has been taking French classes and learning about Congolese cuisine in preparation for the brothers’ arrival.
“We had almost given up hope, given what’s happening at the national level,” Entin said.
Buckley-Brawner said the volunteer group’s enthusiasm is remarkable.
“If wishing made it so, they certainly made it happen for them,” she said.
Jim Ayres, executive director of the United Way of Hampshire County, took the opportunity to remind folks who may want to donate that they can direct moneys to a fund set up specifically for refugee resettlement efforts in the city. To donate, visit WelcomeHomeNorthampton.org or send a check to United Way, 71 King St. in Northampton with “Refugee Fund” in the memo line.
“Those dollars and services will really help them get on their feet in long run,” Ayres said. “We’re extremely excited to have others joining us.”
Amanda Drane can be contacted at adrane@gazettenet.com.