NHCO Coordinator Embraces Expanded Role to Help Growing Immigrant Refugee Population

Just a few months into her job as Service Coordinator, Annelise O'Neill noticed a wave of immigration and refugee clients coming to NHCO. She talked with her supervisors who also recognized the need, and they expanded her role to Immigrant and Refugee Liaison.

"Pittsburgh is becoming a hub for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The need is only going to continue to grow. These individuals have unique and complex needs. Many of them are starting life over from scratch," Annelise said. "Lack of assistance can lead to isolation, depression, poverty, and potentially dangerous situations."

She's worked with clients from Afghanistan, Guatemala, Ukraine, Russia, Mexico, Uganda, Brazil, Honduras, and Turkey. Many live in Millvale, within walking distance of our satellite office.

Their most common needs include assistance with paying utilities, finding housing, obtaining food, and learning English. Some ask for help buying a house or car, signing their kids up for preschool, and applying for a social security card. Annelise utilizes NHCO's resources or connects them with outside agencies for assistance that NHCO cannot provide.

One request seemed daunting, but Annelise persevered. A family arrived at a military base in The United States after fleeing war-torn Afghanistan. Their daughter was born on that base, making her an American citizen, but she didn't have a birth certificate. Annelise navigated through several government channels to get the certificate that provides her with proper identification that allows access to health care and education.

Can you or someone you know use Annelise's services? Please contact her at 412-487-6316 x3212 or amoneill@nhco.org