Speech #960199607

program has poor management controls. Monitoring of grants and contracts by federal and state officials appears sporadic. (Onethird of the service providers request more monitoring and evaluation of programs.) Some refugees and service providers are concerned about possible mismanagement of federal funds and recommend stronger controls. Few Indochinese refugees appear to be involved in program and policy decisions. Most refugees employed by volags and service providers are in staff positions and do not participate in agency decisions. There appears to be little involvement of Indochinese associates in the development or implementation of services. CXXVI- 207Part 3 C. Local workers: Many local service providers and volunteers are incredibly dedicated and work long hours to assist refugees. Field teams observed incredible efforts on the part of local voluntary agencies and service providers to provide support to refugees. Many people. particularly the Indochinese staff. are working extremely long hours under constant pressure at low wages. Many of these workers spend much of their personal time providing counseling. orientation. interpretation and transportation to other refugees. Some Indochinese associations. sponsors. and other community volunteers devote remarkable time. energy and money assisting refugees (e.g. some "old wave" refugees had housed as many as 20 different new families in their homes until they could get started on their own). V. Can the current programs absorb large numbers of new refugees? A. Refugees are settling in areas in which either the job market or the housing market are highly competitive. The ability of the local economy to absorb significant numbers of new refugees has not been thoughtfully considered in resettlement. Apart from immediate service needs. such as language and living skills. the most fundamental needs of new refugees when they arrive are jobs and housing. The ability to secure either is largely a function of local market conditions. Jobs are more plentiful in California and Texas. but housing is expensive and public transportation is inadequate.