Syracuse, NY -- Justine N’Shombo wanted to pursue her nursing career after coming to Syracuse’s North Side a year ago with her 11 children.
N’Shombo, 36, said she fled the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2004 with her husband, a doctor, after civil war destroyed their lives. He died in a Malawi refugee camp, leaving her as the sole provider.
In Syracuse, her nursing career has been put on hold while she learns English. To her frustration, N'Shombo and her family live on public assistance.
“I’m struggling with powerlessness because I cannot practice my profession and because of the language barrier,” N’Shombo said through an InterFaith Works translator. “I’ve wondered if I’m going to make it here.”
She is among nearly 1,000 refugees who arrive in Syracuse each year. They have fueled explosive population growth on the North Side, which is expected to continue, according to Catholic Charities and InterFaith Works, the city’s two resettlement agencies.
But until they become self sufficient, the influx of newcomers is straining essential services, like schools, public assistance and soup kitchens, while forcing police to serve more vulnerable residents. The greater need comes at a time when city and county governments have shed jobs and struggled to control costs.
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A family with one unemployed parent and 11 children — like N’Shombo’s — would receive about $3,000 a month in public assistance for rent and food stamps, Sutkowy said.
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/05/refugee_influx_challenges_syra.html
Syracuse, New York according to City-Data is about 80% white. Also, "White Flight" is occurring:
Population in July 2009: 138,560. Population change since 2000: -5.9%How many Christian organizations are like this through out America? These should be a priority target for demonstrations and protest.