WTNH News Channel 8 / News / Crisis in Kosovo

	Group prepares for arrival of Kosovo Refugees (WTNH) _ NATO attacks continued in parts of Yugoslavia. Reports indicate NATO missiles hit a number of targets in Kosovo and Serbia. Meantime, Albanian refugees continue their fight to survive in that country. Here in Connecticut, preparations are underway to house refugees already taking shelter in America. News Channel 8's Jocelyn Sigue reports. It's just the basics. but catholic charities staffers hope the furniture they set up today will help the Kosovar refugees feel at home in Connecticut. The first four families are expected to move out of New Jersey's Fort Dix and into three Hartford apartments by Friday. all catholic charities knows - is the families are related - eight adults and nine children. Bob Snyder, Refugee Services: "With other refugees we have bio sheets about a month in advance so we can start planning their job placement English language training their medical needs for example, but with Kosovars it's going to be very quick turn around. We may have 24 hours notice and we'll just have to roll with the punches." One of the challenges catholic charities refugee services faces is finding affordable housing so the refugees can pay the rent on their own - direct cash payments will only help them out for four months. Jim Cole, Job Developer: "Usually by four months we have them placed in a job some actually do start in line of work others it may take a very long time say if they're a doctor.: Cole expects to place most of the refugees in factory work. until they arrive he and Genc Gjhasta, an interpreter, are helping pack up necessities. Gjhasta, an Albanian refugee himself who came to the US alone at the age of 20, knows what it's like to just need toothpaste. Genc Gjhasta, Interpreter: "Every little thing to me looked like a big help. "You go somewhere to find a job you don't speak the language number and somebody comes with you gives you a hand and gets you a job that's a big step right there." Catholic Charities is still looking for donations to help house the refugees. They don't need any more clothing, but furniture and household items are needed. Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Group prepares for arrival of Kosovo Refugees
(WTNH) _ NATO attacks continued in parts of Yugoslavia. Reports indicate NATO missiles hit a number of targets in Kosovo and Serbia. Meantime, Albanian refugees continue their fight to survive in that country. Here in Connecticut, preparations are underway to house refugees already taking shelter in America.
News Channel 8's Jocelyn Sigue reports.

It's just the basics. but catholic charities staffers hope the furniture they set up today will help the Kosovar refugees feel at home in Connecticut.

The first four families are expected to move out of New Jersey's Fort Dix and into three Hartford apartments by Friday. all catholic charities knows - is the families are related - eight adults and nine children.

Bob Snyder, Refugee Services: "With other refugees we have bio sheets about a month in advance so we can start planning their job placement English language training their medical needs for example, but with Kosovars it's going to be very quick turn around. We may have 24 hours notice and we'll just have to roll with the punches."

One of the challenges catholic charities refugee services faces is finding affordable housing so the refugees can pay the rent on their own - direct cash payments will only help them out for four months.

Jim Cole, Job Developer: "Usually by four months we have them placed in a job some actually do start in line of work others it may take a very long time say if they're a doctor.:

Cole expects to place most of the refugees in factory work. until they arrive he and Genc Gjhasta, an interpreter, are helping pack up necessities.

Gjhasta, an Albanian refugee himself who came to the US alone at the age of 20, knows what it's like to just need toothpaste.

Genc Gjhasta, Interpreter: "Every little thing to me looked like a big help.
"You go somewhere to find a job you don't speak the language number and somebody comes with you gives you a hand and gets you a job that's a big step right there."

Catholic Charities is still looking for donations to help house the refugees. They don't need any more clothing, but furniture and household items are needed.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.