Imagine walking into the first place you can truly call home after 17 years in a refugee camp. For refugees arriving in the U.S., that first apartment represents the beginning of a new life. During the week of February 22nd, IRC staff secured and furnished 21 apartments for refugees arriving through the end of the month, an endeavor that would not have been possible without the support of the local community.
So, what does it take to get a home ready so that when a family walks in for the first time it is a suitable place where they can begin to rebuild their lives? This effort first starts with a network of apartment managers who allow IRC staff to arrange for apartments prior to a refugee’s arrival at SeaTac airport. IRC staff then deliver furniture and household goods to each new apartment. From new mattresses to donated couches, each apartment gets the basics needed to call it home. Cleaning supplies, hygiene items, dishes, cooking pans, even a hot meal are there when refugees open the door to their apartments for the first time.
All of this is made possible with donations from the community. Your gently used couches, table lamps, coffee tables and side tables are used to set up these new households (sorry no mattresses - we buy those new!). Your school or business can coordinate donation drives for cleaning supplies and household items. Individuals can recruit family members and friends to pitch in to furnish a living room. As a volunteer you can help with the collection of donations and the distribution of donated items. Hundreds of local community members contribute in a variety of ways to help welcome refugees to their new home. Thank you to all who help make the work possible!
If you would like to make an in-kind donation please contact us at Seattle@theIRC.org or call 206-623-2105. If you would like to volunteer please attend one of our volunteer orientations on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm and the following Friday at 1:00 pm. We couldn’t do it without you!
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