Historically, the trend has been for both government resettlement programs and community sponsorship schemes to rehome refugees in larger urban centres. However, as community sponsorship models have proliferated around the world, more rural and smaller communities have become involved in refugee settlement. While all newcomers require similar services —affordable housing, language training, public transportation, internet access, healthcare, and other services— communities and regions outside urban centres face specific challenges when welcoming and integrating refugees. Yet, despite these challenges, rural and smaller communities are actively participating in refugee sponsorship and finding creative ways around barriers. This knowledge brief examines the role of rural and small communities in sponsorship, the challenges and opportunities of rural resettlement, and strategies for rural and small places welcoming and integrating newcomers.

Download the Sponsorship in Rural and Small Communities report