Congolese refugee reunited with his four children thanks to BHITC volunteer and church partner
When refugees flee their home countries and become resettled in the United States, for example, they leave a huge part of their lives behind – their careers, their homes, most of their belongings – and sometimes, their circumstances force them to even leave family members behind.
More than eight years ago, a Congolese man named Germain Luhata and his family fled their home in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and became separated in different refugee camps. When Luhata had the opportunity to resettle to the United States in 2011, he knew the cost was high. It would mean many, many more miles between he and his family, a distance made worse by much waiting and paperwork, not to mention the money required to change that. Read the full story on the Building Hope in the City site…
Refugees Purchase Homes in Cleveland
For brothers Tom and Tanka Acharya, their families and their aging parents, all refugees from Nepal in South Asia, Cleveland has become home in many ways.
The Acharyas, who are part of the nearly 1,000 refugees who resettle in Northern Ohio each year, arrived in Cleveland three years ago after waiting for 17+ years in a refugee camp. No strangers to overcoming trials through perseverance, the Acharyas recently once again persevered to achieve a major goal – homeownership. Read the full story on the Building Hope in the City site…
The Pradhan Family
“We are immigrants to Northeast Ohio, having resettled here in 2008 from the refugee camps of Nepal. For 18 years we were unable to return to our homeland of Bhutan.
Today, our family members (eight brothers and sisters, along with our mother, spouses and children) are pleased to share Himalayan culture and cuisine with you. Including the new items added to our menu.”
Photos courtesy Katie Major
Flavors of India is a continuation of our parents’ family business in Bhutan, as well as our eldest sibling’s work as a chef in New Delhi. Flavors of India • 26703 Brookpark Ext. North Olmsted, OH • 44070 • 440-779-5774
Photo courtesy Lisa DeJong/The Plain Dealer
Z-Beverage and South Asian Grocery is run by the Pradhan family, Bhutanese refugees who settled in Cleveland after living in refugee camps in Nepal for nearly 20 years. Stop by for a wide assortment of items: beverages (try the mango lassi!), cookware, fresh produce, canned fruits and dry goods. The wide assortment of bagged spices is impressive! Z-Beverage and South Asian Grocery, 13712 Lorain Avenue • Cleveland, OH 44111
Photo courtesy Robert Smith/The Plain Dealer
Kafaya Mohamed
Kafaya’s Kitchen opened late last year in a storefront that had long been vacant on West 117th Street, next to Halloran Park. (If the outdoor sign still says “Maria’s Kitchen,” don’t despair. You’re in the right place!)
Kafaya Muhammed arrived here in 2006, a refugee from Somalia, accompanied by her seven children. The simple restaurant is a family dream and family operation. It is also fast becoming a place where the Somalian community gathers, and locals experience a tasty new culture and cuisine.
Menu items include rice, sambusa*, chicken, goat, beef, anjero*, jabati*, ceesh, fish, spaghetti, cambuulo, and chai tea. (*homemade specialties) Kafaya’s Kitchen • 3650 117th Street , Cleveland, OH • 44111 • 216-571-3364
Photos courtesy Luanne Bole-Becker
Kyaw Swar Oo and Naw Kleinn Nan
Several years ago, Burmese refugee Kyaw Swar Oo arrived in greater Cleveland. He and his wife, Naw Kleinn Nan, opened the Burmese Asian Market in the fall of 2013 to serve the growing Burmese population in Northeast Ohio, as well as the surrounding neighborhood. A variety of Asian specialties include salad additions like sour pickled tea leaf, noodles, dried and canned fish, rice dishes, as well as American condiments and general products. Traditional clothing items are also for sale. (Be sure to say hello to their young daughter when you visit!) Burmese Asian Market • 13439 Detroit Rd., Lakewood, OH 44107
Photos courtesy Eileen Wilson
Nemat Eisa
Nemat Eisa is a refugee of Sudan. She has been in Northeast Ohio for a little over a year, and resides with her husband and three girls. Nemat is available as a henna artist for special events, home parties, and personal appointments. Nemat Eisa, Henna Designs, 216.623.7312
