The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. For decades, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, have been 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 rebuild their lives and livelihoods in the U.S. In Denver and 28 other cities across the country, the IRC supports them every step of the way.
Refugees are people who have been forced to flee their home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
They often leave behind everything—homes, jobs, and communities—because staying would put their lives or freedom at risk. Many have experienced war, violence, or serious human rights abuses.
Despite these challenges, refugees show incredible strength and resilience. They seek safety and the chance to rebuild their lives in peace.
The United States has a long tradition of sheltering those fleeing conflict and persecution. Once refugees have been identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and cleared for resettlement, the U.S. government works with the IRC and other national resettlement agencies to help them restart their lives in America. Fewer than 1 percent of displaced people 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 chose.
Learn more about how refugee resettlement works.
Our programs are designed to ensure refugees thrive in America—whether ensuring children are enrolled in school, adults become self-reliant through employment or starting businesses, or families receive the acute medical care they need to recover from trauma or illness. The IRC helps those in need to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home community.
Our programs in Denver:
- Reception & Placement Services (currently suspended by the US government)
- Employment and job readiness services
- Financial Capability program—financial coaching, financial ed classes and low-cost financial products and loans
- Short term financial assistance
- Health education
- Health insurance literacy
- Family stabilization
- Psychosocial support
- Services for survivors of torture
- Immigration legal services
There are many ways that you can get involved with the IRC’s work in Denver. You can:
Join our mailing list
Stay up-to-date on IRC Denver news, events and needs. Subscribe here.
Volunteer
Most volunteer opportunities occur between 9am-5pm, Mondays-Fridays. Volunteers support program implementation and must be at least 18 years old. Learn more about current openings and how to apply here.
Limited internship positions may be available. For more information, please email IRCDenver.Volunteer@Rescue.org.
Contribute financially to the Denver office
As federal funds have been withdrawn in 2025, your contributions are essential to ensure refugees have access to supportive services provided by the IRC. Become a monthly sustainer or make a one-time donation here.
Donations—furniture, household items and clothing
Due to limited storage and distribution capacity the IRC in Denver generally does not accept large donations of goods. If you have items that you think may be useful please contact IRCDenver.Donations@Rescue.org.
If you are interested in purchasing household items for refugee families, you can select items from our Amazon Wishlist, which will be shipped directly to our office.
Employ a refugee
One of the most important ways you can help refugees on their paths to rebuild their lives and gain economic self-sufficiency is to offer them employment. Refugees arrive with resilient spirits and a strong motivation to learn, work and contribute to their new community. IRC’s employment services help refugees prepare for Colorado’s job market and secure employment—from entry-level positions to advanced placements. Is your company hiring? Let us know! We have clients who are ready to go to work. Contact IRC.Denver@Rescue.org if you have an opportunity to employ a newcomer to Denver!
The #1 goal of refugee resettlement is self-sufficiency. When refugees are supported and integrate into their new community they thrive—they are employed and become tax payers, they are business owners, neighbors and community builders.
Office hours and scheduling appointments for new and returning clients are updated regularly here.
The best way for us to direct your questions to the appropriate staff member is to email us.
For general questions, please email IRC.Denver@Rescue.org
For questions about volunteering, please email IRCDenver.Volunteer@Rescue.org
For questions about donating items, please email IRCDenver.Donations@Rescue.org
Our main phone number is (720) 328-6655.
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.
