The United Way Perth-Huron's Multicultural Association has received a fifty-thousand dollar Trillium grant for its Newcomer Outreach and Needs Assessment project.
Project Manager Mark Hertzberger explains the grant will allow them to visit more communities in Perth and Huron to determine the needs of immigrants when they first arrive.
The Project also looks for barriers they might encounter in obtaining services, and tries to identify social needs.
Hertzberger points out if immigrants come to a new community but do not feel welcome, they tend to turn to larger cities where they can find people who will include them into the community.
Hertzberger adds they've built up good working relationships with employment agencies, school boards, and housing agencies to help make newcomers feel welcome in Perth and Huron.
He also points out if they feel part of the community and are able to find jobs here, they are more likely to tell friends and relatives and encourage them to come here.