Announcement
Girl holds peace sign as she attends Back-to-School event in Dallas
Photo: Joanie Turner
Over the past couple years, the world has been captivated by the refugee crisis emerging from the war in Syria. Images of those fleeing the conflict in Syria and dire situations elsewhere have galvanized Americans to try and help in any way possible. Americans have the opportunity to help refugees in their own backyards. Every year, the International Rescue Committee and other nonprofit organizations contract with the US government to help up to 110,000 refugees a year resettle, find jobs and housing, and integrate into American life. In Dallas, we aided about 1,200 new refugees and humanitarian migrants per year.
The IRC in Dallas relies on community support to assist refugees who are fleeing from war and persecution in their home countries. To learn more about what our programs in Dallas provide refugees, please visit here.
Many community members have inquired about housing newly-arrived refugees in their homes. While we are deeply grateful for the generous offer, the IRC arranges for refugee families to rent their own apartments. We feel this is a more sustainable solution that respects the inherent dignity of the people we serve.
Here is how you can help if you live in the Dallas:
Give a tax-deductible financial contribution to the IRC in Dallas. Although we do receive support from the state and federal governments to assist new refugees, many services we provide -- such as helping refugees apply to bring close family members here -- have no government support. Moreover, government support for resettlement in general has gone down significantly in the past couple years. Your gift will go far to help refugees integrate and become self-sufficient in our area. This is the best and easiest way to show your support.
Fundraise on our behalf. Independently use Crowdrise as your platform and raise money for refugees in Dallas. This will not only help you spread the message of our work but also get your community involved in helping.
Donate household items. The IRC in Dallas has a Donation Center where new refugees can take donated goods for free. This allows their modest first resources provided to them to go farther. Drop-off hours need to be scheduled. Any contributions are tax deductible. Update: As of November 2016, we are in particular need of cold weather clothing. Please keep in mind that refugees tend to be smaller than Americans. To schedule a Drop-off, please email [email protected].
Become a Family Mentor. Family Mentors work with newly-arrived refugee families, providing refugees a meaningful connection to the community and individualized support as they adapt to life in the United States. A focus is placed on practicing English language skills, preparing them for their first job in the U.S., exploring and familiarizing themselves with the city, and becoming self-sufficient in their new home. A commitment of two hours per week for six months is required.
For more information, please email [email protected]
Employ a refugee. After being forced to flee their homes and endure unimaginable hardship, refugees have shown incredible resiliency and are eager to find work and integrate into their new community. Employers can benefit from hiring these hard working, adaptable individuals. The IRC’s free employment services are always available to help refugees and employers at every step of the way. This includes pre-screening and assessment, job-readiness training, on-the-job counseling, and administrative support. For more information, please email [email protected]