CARRINGTON, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – A group hoping to grow rural populations in North Dakota by recruiting refugees meets Saturday, April 2nd in Carrington.

The group is called “CATCH.”

Bill Patrie of Bismarck is a member of the group. He says the number of refugees in the world is getting close to the number of refugees after World War Two. And he says at the same time, rural places need workers.

Patrie says the group decided to work on a more formal structure, to help facilitate refugee settlement in rural North Dakota. He added that there is a growing awareness of the plight of refugees – especially because of Ukraine.

Patrie says it comes as the same time as a labor shortage.

The group will meet at the Chieftain at 11 AM.