He works as a pizza cook and takes classes at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park. With a job and education, plus his IDA, he and others like him are assured of a more stable future. The International Institute has the only program targeted at refugees, who often face a unique set of problems in trying to overcome financial barriers. Language problems make it difficult for some to find good-paying jobs. Transportation is often a problem.
Many jobs require a car.
Refugees sometimes must choose between long, inconvenient bus rides or a monthly car payment that eats away much of their minimum-wage salaries. For most Americans, financial management is a struggle. For refugees, American financial systems such as banking and credit can be confusing. Some are wary from their experiences. Saving money can be difficult for everyone, but it's particularly tough for refugees.