Vermont State Coordinators: State Refugee Coordinator: Denise Lamoureux State Refugee Health Coordinator: Martha Friedman ORR Regional Representative: Julie Munro Background Information: Population in 2014: 15,942 (100% urban, 0% rural)Estimated per capita income in 2013: $23,570Median House or Condo Value in 2013: $159,899Median Gross Rent (2013): $756Racial Breakdown: White: 95.6% Two or more races: 1.6% Asian alone: 1.2% Hispanic: 0.9% Black Alone: 0.6% Land Area: 7.64 square milesPopulation Density: 2,087 people per square mile (low)FBP: 2.0% (State Average: 3.8%)Unemployment Rate (September 2015): 5.3% (State Average: 3.9%)Most Common Industries: Manufacturing (22%) Retail trade (13%) Construction (11%) Accommodation and food services (8%) Educational services (8%) Arts, entertainment, and recreation (5%) Public administration (5%) Local Agency Responsible for Settlement of Refugees: Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program (USCIS)Colchester, VT 05446, Director: Amila MerdzanovicAbout: VRRP is Vermont's local field office of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and has been operating for over 30 years. Services are provided with the help of various local community organizations.Some Services Include: Reception at the airport Interpretation and translation Cultural orientation Housing assistance Basic furnishings and housing wares English language training Employment counseling Professional, culturally appropriate support Settlement Breakdown 2002-2016: Rutland has never before been an official resettlement site for refugees, but are currently awaiting the arrival 100 Syrian refugees in the coming fall of 2016, pending any overbearing public pushback. Secondary Organizations: Rutland WelcomesAbout: Rutland Welcomes is a grassroots organization that is focused on organizing Rutland citizens into groups and committees in preparation for the arrival of 100 Syrian refugees in the fall. They are preparing and building the support and services to help these New Americans once they settle into their community. 20 Rutland Welcomes committees have already been formed.        Newspaper Articles: “Vermont Town Debates Syrian Refugee Resettlement Program”Written by Nina KeckJuly 1, 2016Transcript of an NPR report on the debate in Rutland over accepting 100 Syrian refugees. Since the mayor announced that Rutland would accept this group of refugees, some members of the community have been pushing back against the decision believing that these refugees will be more of a burden and threat to the community.http://www.npr.org/2016/07/01/484381701/vermont-town-debates-syrian-refugee-resettlement-program “100 Syrian Refugees are Headed to Rutland”Written by Nina KeckApril 26, 2016This article discusses the pending resettlement of 100 Syrian refugees to Rutland, which will be the first site for Syrian refugees settling in the state. Included are quotes from the mayor of Rutland and the Director of VRRP, and also touches on the broader fears around the country surrounding the resettlement of Syrians.http://digital.vpr.net/post/100-syrian-refugees-are-headed-rutland “Critics of Rutland Refugee Plan Grill Aldermen, Resettlement Officials”Written by Mark DavisMay 25, 2016This article focuses on the backlash within the Rutland community to oppose the resettlement of 100 Syrians later this year. Critics of the plan claim they were blindsided, and that the trust between the citizens and the local government was broken in the process.http://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2016/05/25/critics-of-rutland-refugee-plan-grill-aldermen-resettlement-officials “Vermont city prepares for Syrian refugees with welcome, wariness”Written by Brian MacQuarrieMay 13, 2016This article features the Mayor of Rutland and the director VRRP defending the resettlement of Syrians to Rutland and defending their decision to keep the process closed to the public. They argue that the community has resources to take in these refugees and that any opposition is based on fear.https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/05/12/vermont-city-prepares-for-syrian-refugees-with-welcome-wariness/nfs6Z8QbcQZQzMmlqZm26I/story.html “Rutland, Other Shrinking Small Towns, See Hope in Refugees”Written by Tim HendersonAugust 20, 2016Discusses the arguments for and against the resettling of refugees in Rutland, and draws parallels between Rutland, VT and other small cities around the country that could be revitalized through the arrival of refugees.http://www.vnews.com/Shrinking-small-towns-see-hope-in-refugees-4222723