At SODELA, we believe that every refugee deserves support, guidance, and a welcoming community — no matter where they come from or how long they’ve been in the United States. Whether you’ve just arrived on American soil or have been living in the U.S. for years and are looking to start fresh in Tennessee, SODELA is here to help you build a new life in Knoxville.
Supporting All Refugees, All Categories
Unlike some organizations that focus on specific groups, SODELA opens its doors to all refugees seeking to settle in the Knoxville area. We understand that every refugee’s journey is unique, and we’re equipped to assist individuals and families across all refugee categories:
- Newly arrived refugees — Those who have just received refugee status and are beginning their American journey
- Secondary migrants — Refugees who initially settled elsewhere in the U.S. and are relocating to Tennessee
- Asylees — Individuals who have been granted asylum in the United States
- Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders — Including Afghan and Iraqi allies who served alongside U.S. forces
- Long-term residents — Refugees who have been in the country for years but still need community support
Our East African Community
While we serve refugees from around the world, we take special pride in our strong connection to the East African community. The majority of the families we assist come from East African nations, including:
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Burundi
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Ethiopia
- Eritrea
- Somalia
- South Sudan
Many of our staff and volunteers share this heritage, which allows us to provide culturally sensitive support, language assistance in Swahili, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, French, and other languages, and a deep understanding of the challenges our community members face.
Why Knoxville?
Knoxville, Tennessee offers a welcoming environment for refugees looking to build a new life. With its affordable cost of living, growing job market, quality schools, and friendly communities, Knoxville has become a destination of choice for many refugee families. SODELA helps make this transition smoother by:
- Housing assistance — Helping families find safe, affordable housing
- Employment support — Connecting refugees with job opportunities and providing job readiness training
- Education guidance — Assisting with school enrollment and English language learning
- Community integration — Introducing newcomers to local resources, services, and cultural opportunities
- Ongoing support — Providing continued assistance as families establish their roots
You’re Not Alone
Starting over in a new place can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. SODELA is more than an organization — we’re a community of people who understand your journey because many of us have walked the same path.
Whether you’re a refugee who just arrived last week or one who has been in America for a decade, if you’re looking to make Knoxville your home, we’re here for you.
Get in Touch
Ready to learn more about how SODELA can help you or someone you know? Contact us today. We speak your language, we understand your culture, and we’re ready to welcome you to the Knoxville community.
SODELA — Solidarity Development and Light Association
750 Belleaire, Knoxville, TN 37921
Phone: (865) 309-9588
Email: info@sodela.org