BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Kentucky is set to receive over 700 Afghan refugees, and Bowling Green's International Center of Kentucky is receiving 200 alone.

Refugees are expected to arrive over the coming weeks and months, and Executive Director of the International Center Albert Mbanfu is looking forward to helping.

“Our responsibility will be to find housing for them make sure that their kids are registered for school," said Mbanfu. "To find jobs for them and we guide them in the community to integrate.”

All refugees will have previously assisted the U.S. in some form or fashion. Many of the refugees are being held at military bases currently and will trickle in slowly. 

“They will not all come in come in at the same time," said Mbanfu. "They will trickle in like three or four families this week, maybe two next week and maybe five the next week, so that is how it’s going to work.”

Daily COVID-19 testing is also occurring on base, and those refugees over the age of 12 will receive at least one dose of the vaccine. 

Mbanfu said he is excited that Bowling Green is one of the areas getting to help.

“We are pleased that the U.S. government has brought us here. We have tons of jobs, so these people are coming in will make a living wage," said Mbanfu. "They will be happy to start their life over in a peaceful environment.”

Donations to the center have also been plentiful, from food to money and everything in between.

"We have received tons of calls with people donating household items, kitchen items, toiletries, bedding," said Mbanfu. "The appeal has been very overwhelming, and we’re grateful.”