Announcement
IRC in Northern California has released its quarterly impact reports covering October 2025 through June 2026, offering a snapshot of the year to date, defined by transition, resilience, and community response.
Behind the data are real people rebuilding real lives.
Take Brenda's story. In 2024, Brenda came to the United States seeking safety after leaving an abusive relationship in Mexico that she describes as "un infierno" (a hell). Isolated in an unfamiliar system, her first home in the U.S. was a trailer where she experienced further harassment from the very person meant to be helping her. She was connected with IRC's Anti-Trafficking team in Turlock, who met her immediate needs, provided rental assistance and helped her move into a fully furnished home.
IRC provided rental assistance through our Soft Landing Fund which helps offset the high cost of housing for newcomers as they lay the foundation for their lives here. Brenda recalls not believing the home was truly hers, asking her caseworker again and again "Is this for me?"
With consistent support, Brenda has been able to save money, replace a damaged car, and rebuild her independence. "Ahorita es cuando yo me siento que soy otra vez yo lo que fui en mi tiempo" (Now is when I feel like myself again), she shared. Her message to others facing exploitation: "Después de la tormenta llega la calma; todo pasa" (After the storm comes the calm; everything passes) don't lose hope, and ask for help.
So far in 2026 IRC has supported 150 survivors like Brenda across Northern California. With your support, we can ensure they have stable housing as they integrate into our communities.
Donate to our Soft Landing Fund today which provides rental assistance to newcomers like Brenda. Help ensure survivors continue to recover, rebuild and thrive!
