CINCINNATI — In the last year, thousands of immigrants from the West African nation of Mauritania have made the Buckeye State their new home. 

 In smaller towns and villages, it’s put quite a strain on their resources and the ability for them to care for the new population. 

Mondays are typically busy for Pamela Kaufman, who’s the Facility and Volunteer Coordinator at Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center in Lockland. It’s a village just outside of Cincinnati. That’s because it’s one of two days during the week that members can shop for their choice pantry.  

 “Seniors, vets and the disabled take priority, so they will come through the door first,” Kaufman said.  

Last fall, Kaufman said they’d see a massive increase in the number of people they serve. 

 “Especially in a community where nobody was used to seeing immigrants of that caliber in the line at a pantry. It did push quite a few of our regular members away,” she said.  

In 2023, more than 15,000 residents from Mauritania arrived in the U.S., that’s according to an analysis by The Washington Post of U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. 18% of those immigrants landed in Ohio in areas like Lockland. 

To cope with the increase in demand, the center had to pivot to avoid things like food shortages. 

“Before, people were able to shop every week. Then we had to push it back to every 14 days,” Kaufman said.  

Julie Gillette is the Development Assistant at Valley Interfaith and said their mission is to create a sustainable tomorrow for their neighbors in need. She told us most of the migrants come as asylum seekers who eventually obtain work visas. Thanks to their partnerships with other community organizations, they’re able to assist with things like workforce training. 

“Once they get that work visa, honestly, we’re not really seeing them anymore because they get jobs, and they are able to build a self-sustaining life for themselves,” Gillette said. 

Beyond food, the center also offers hygiene products, clothing, and other household items. Recently, the number of immigrants the center sees is more of an ebb and flow. Nonetheless, Kaufman said that continued community support will be key. 

“As the community evolves into knowing what we’re going to do with our new immigrant population and our community at risk, we just need to come together and plan as a community how to move forward,” she said.  

The Village of Lockland Mayor and Council will have their monthly meeting on Monday night. We’ll keep you updated on plans from city officials. 

Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center is always accepting donations and welcomes new volunteers. To find out more, click here