Catholic Charities Looking For Permanent Housing For Afghan Refugees In Oklahoma

Since August, 451 Afghan refugees have settled in Tulsa, with more on the way. Those who are re-settling the refugees say they are having trouble finding permanent homes big enough for some of the large families.

Thursday, December 23rd 2021, 5:38 pm

By: Emory Bryan

TULSA, Oklahoma -

Catholic Charities has resettled 451 Afghan refugees in Tulsa, and another 556 in Oklahoma City. In all, 1,800 refugees are expected to move to Oklahoma.

The agency finding housing for them is struggling to find suitable rental housing, in part because many Afghan families are large.

“I think the largest so far is 12,” said Julie Dulek, who coordinates the refugee housing program for Catholic Charities, “but usually 7, or 8, so we're really focused on trying to find 4 and 5 bedroom homes."

In Tulsa, there’s been an outpouring of support and many rental houses have been offered, but most are too small. Since the families do not have transportation, the houses need to be near a bus route, and within reach of a grocery store. Catholic Charities can guarantee rent payments for at least a year.

More than 1,000 volunteers are helping the effort just in Tulsa, and next week, they’ll be busy with 100 new arrivals expected. Some families will be moving into housing, clearing up space in hotels where the refugees are staying while housing arrangements are made.