The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the people of the United States into the safety and freedom of America. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. In Sacramento and other offices across the country, the IRC helps them to rebuild their lives.
Our programs are designed to ensure that you, as a refugee, thrive in America--whether ensuring your children are enrolled in school, or as adults you're becoming self-reliant through employment or starting businesses, or your family is receiving the acute medical care they need to recover from trauma or illness. The IRC helps you if you're in need to rebuild your life and regain control of your future in your new home community.
Our programs in Sacramento are established to help you. These programs include:
Anti-Human Trafficking
As refugees, you are greeted and welcomed at the airport by IRC case workers and volunteers to ensure that your transition is as comfortable as possible. The IRC also makes sure you, as a newly arrived refugee, receive:
- A furnished home
- Help with rent
- Health care
- Nutritious, affordable food
- English language classes
- Help building job, computer, and financial literacy skills
- Education for their children
- Social services and community support
- Legal services towards residency and citizenship
The United States has a long tradition of sheltering those fleeing conflict and persecution. Once refugees have been identified by the United Nations refugee agency and cleared for resettlement, the U.S. government works with the IRC and eight other national resettlement agencies to help them restart their lives in America. Out of the nearly 20 million refugees in the world, fewer than 1 percent are considered for resettlement worldwide.
Refugees may be placed in a city where they have relatives or friends, or where there’s an established community that shares their language or culture. Other considerations include the cost of living and a community’s ability to provide medical services. However, as legal U.S. residents, refugees may live in any city and state they choose.
The IRC in Sacramento’s immigration department not only serves our refugee and asylee clients, but also any low-income immigrant population. In addition, the IRC in Sacramento partners with local service providers and community groups to conduct programming.
There are many ways that you can get involved with the IRC’s work in Sacramento. You can:
Donate: Give a tax-deductible financial contribution either via the website or send it to our office.
Volunteer process and opportunities: Read the steps you need to go through to become an IRC volunteer and see our current list of volunteer opportunities here.
Internship opportunities: See our current list of internship opportunities here.
New or gently used items needed for refugees: We’re collecting bicycles, computers, child seats, and strollers for newly arrived refugees.
Spread the word: Consider hosting a fundraiser via Crowdrise. Stay connected by following us on Facebook and ask others to do the same!
For additional information please contact [email protected]
Once they acclimate to their new environment, refugees often thrive and contribute to their communities, building careers, purchasing homes, gaining citizenship.
35,000
people in the U.S. received asylum and protection support.
IRC offices across the U.S. provide immediate aid--including food, housing and medical attention—among other support.
Learn about resettlement and asylum2,697
people were assisted to become new U.S. citizens.
The IRC offers high-quality, low-cost immigration legal services and citizenship assistance in cities across the U.S.
Learn about immigration15,000
Our economic empowerment support includes financial coaching, vocational training and asset building.
