(Radio Iowa) – Lutheran Services in Iowa opened its new refugee resettlement office in Sioux City this week. In the past month, the organization resettled 14 Afghan refugees in the area, but they expect up to 150 refugees from many different countries. Kate Hagen, the resettlement coordinator, says she’s excited to see more refugees in Sioux City.

“I could only imagine how it feels to come to a new country, let alone a new city, where you don’t really know anyone,” Hagen says, “and so just being that familiar face, that friendly face for them to help them feel safe and welcomed here.” Hagen says local residents can help by donating home-goods or volunteering their time. Finding long-term housing remains an obstacle in the area, but she’s optimistic they can find a home for every arrival. Hagen says they expect a diverse set of refugees in March, new arrivals she says will enrich the community.

“I was sitting here and just thinking of all the places that make the Siouxland area, you think of all these different stores, and what it would be like if we didn’t have refugees or immigrants,” Hagen says. “There’s just so much that would not be here because of that.” Hagen says she hopes the Sioux City location can soon offer a wide range of services, like cultural orientation classes.