The Houston Refugee Consortium, a group of well-known charities which help resettle refugees from war-torn and divisive regions of the world, is hosting the 12th Annual World Refugee Day. World Refugee Day celebrates the perseverance and strength of men, women and children forced to leave their home countries because of violence or persecution, including those awaiting approval from the United States and other resolutions to their cases.

The free, family-friendly event will be filled with cultural entertainment, children’s activities and educational exhibits. Organizations of this refugee consortium help resettle more than 2,000 refugees every year who come to Houston from all over the world.

In partnership with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods, Office of International Communities, the consortium includes The Alliance for Multicultural Community Services, Bilingual Education Institute, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Houston Community College, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, Refugee Services of Texas, and YMCA International Services.

Houston is now home to 70,000 refugees from 78 different countries. The city’s diversity, economy, and culture are in part a result of refugees who have brought new flavors and traditions from their home countries.