Who is a Refugee? What HSS services are offer to Refugees? What is the estimated Refugee population in Fresno County? What role Fresno County Human Services (HSS) plays with Refugee population?

Who is a Refugee?

A refugee is any person who is outside any country of his or her nationality or county in which he or she last resided and who is unable and unwilling to return to the particular social group or political opinion.

Back to Top

What HSS services are offer to Refugees?

The Fresno County Human Services System offers different services to Refugees. See Southeast Asian Program in the Department of Adult Services, Refugee Services in the Department of Employment and Temporary Assistance, and Refugee Health Screening Program in the Department of Community Health.

Back to Top

What is the estimated Refugee population in Fresno County?

Fresno County estimates a total refugee population of 50,500.

Back to Top

What role Fresno County Human Services (HSS) plays with Refugee population?

Fresno County Human Services System, Employment and Temporary Assistance provide Public assistance benefits (cash aid, medical assistance, and food stamps) to approximately 26,000 refugees each month. This number has relatively decreased from the past three years. It is estimated that 75% of the adult refugees on public assistance in Fresno County have been in the United States for five or more years. The Fresno County Board of Supervisors has designated the HSS/E&TA as the agency responsible for: 1. The Administration of refugee-specific funding. 2. The development of County Plan for Refugee Services. 3. Recommendation as to utilization of refugee-specific funds.

Back to Top