Durham mayor says city is ready to welcome Afghan refugees

Durham Mayor Steve Schewel said the Bull City is ready, with open arms, to welcome everyone.

According to Schewel, Durham has welcomed refugees in the past. The city has resettlement agencies that can help with the process and is hiring for a new refugee coordinator position.

Adam Clark, the director of World Relief Durham, a refugee resettlement agency, said at least three families have already arrived in Durham from Afghanistan, and officials are expecting as many as 100 more refugees in the coming months.

"We in Durham are blessed to be able to welcome you, Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam said. "To the children, I deeply, deeply love you and promise, too, that you will love your new home. Your neighbors will open their hearts to you, and our schools will nourish your minds."

Schewel agreed that Durham is a city that welcomes everyone.

"We will make a home for them here," he said. "No matter what your religion, no matter where you're from, no matter what your race, no matter what language you speak, we want you here in Durham, and we'll embrace you."

Clark said his organization has received more than a thousand calls in recent weeks from people wanting to help.