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Other RESOURCES

Free food

Finding free food can depend on various circumstances and resources available in your community. Here are some ways you can find free food:

Feeding America

Find your local food bank.

FoodFinder

Search the food pantries that are close to you.

Food Pantries Near Me

Find food pantries near you.

Free Clothing

Finding free clothes can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some ways you might be able to find free clothing:

Clothing Closet - NeON

Offers gently used business attire, casual clothes, shoes and accessories in five NeON Clothing Closets throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

Goodwill NYNJ

This organization lifts up the local communities of New York and Northern New Jersey by using funds generated in their retail stores and donation centers to support employment opportunities for people with disabilities or other obstacles to employment.

Dress for Success

Dress for Success offers support and assistance to women identifying and striving towards their professional and personal goals.

Free Furniture

Finding free furniture is possible through various avenues. Here are some ways you might be able to find free furniture:

Trash Nothing

Over 8 million people around the world are giving and getting free stuff in their local communities.

Facebook Marketplace

Buy or sell new and used items easily on Facebook Marketplace, locally or from businesses.

Buy Nothing

Buy Nothing offers people a way to give and receive, share, lend, and express gratitude through a worldwide gift economy network in which the true wealth is the web of connections formed between people.

Free platforms for learning English and applications:

Alison

Free online courses with certificates. Join 8 million graduates and empower your career.

Saylor

Learn new skills, earn credit toward a degree, or advance your career at your own pace.

Duolingo

With the free mobile app or web and a few minutes a day, everyone can Duolingo.

Show-English

Learn English with movies and shows with subtitles.

OTHER QUESTIONS

If you have any specific questions or if there's something you're curious about that is not listed here, please feel free to check out this site for further assistance.

PRIORITIES WHEN MOVING TO THE U.S.

Residence

Explore housing options in the area you're moving to. Consider the possibility of temporary accommodation for the first weeks. Conclude a lease agreement or agree on long-term housing.

Financial Arrangements

Make sure you have enough funds for the initial period of residence. Research the cost of living in your new neighborhood. Open an account with a U.S. bank.

Health

Get international health insurance if your current plan doesn't cover you in the U.S. Keep copies of your medical records and vaccinations.

Utilities and services

Set up utilities (electricity, water, gas) and Internet in your new home.

Social Security Number (SSN)

Apply for a social security number, as it is required for employment and may be needed for other services.

Education for dependents

If you have children, explore educational options and enroll them in school.

Transport

Explore public transportation options in your new city. Get your driver's license and consider buying or leasing a car if necessary.

Employment and training

Get the necessary work permit (if available). Get your academic documents assessed if you plan to study. Register for courses and pay the tuition fee (if in school). Update your resume to the US standard and start your job search (if employed).

Communication

Get a US SIM card and plan mobile communication.

Cultural adaptation

Learn about American culture, customs and etiquette. Join local groups or communities in the diaspora to make friends and build a support system.

Legal issues

Learn about the U.S. tax system and learn about your duties.If necessary, consult a lawyer to understand the details.

Documents

Keep originals and copies of important documents such as passport, visa, medical records, academic certificates.

Emergency contacts

Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your local embassy or consulate, and/or local emergency services.

Language skills

Consider taking an English language course.