By Liz MonteiroViewer 

WATERLOO REGION — The Region of Waterloo, in conjunction with community agencies, has established a refugee resettlement steering committee to help settle about 1,100 Syrian refugees who are expected to arrive in the area soon.

Most of the refugees are expected to arrive in January and February but some will trickle in this month.

At least half will be privately-sponsored refugees and the others will be government sponsored. Privately-sponsored families are aided by an organization, group or church and receive some assistance from the federal government.

Leading the committee is Dr. Liana Nolan, the region's medical officer of health, and Bert Lobe, interim executive director of Reception House, a local agency that works with government-sponsored refugees.

A centralized website was launched Wednesday to assist people who want to volunteer or donate to local refugees. The website, WRwelcomesrefugees.caViewer, also allows individuals who have housing available to register online.

Nolan said the steering committee is "co-ordinating the experts so people only have to go to one place."

"It's one stop for the public," she said.

Nolan said information will be updated on the website as the region finds out how many refugees are coming and when they are scheduled to arrive.

Lobe said Reception House is receiving many calls daily from local citizens who want to help but don't know how.

"This portal will enable us to capitalize on the interest and not ignore it," he said. "We want to mine and nurture the interest."

lmonteiro@therecord.comViewer Twitter: @MonteiroRecord