Horrific attacks in cities like Orlando and Paris have sparked a dangerous backlash against refugees in Europe and the United States — particularly against Syrians, 13 million of whom have been uprooted by nearly five years of terror at home.

The IRC in Salt Lake City’s Economic Wellbeing team celebrates the Shapoor family’s first home! Through matched assistance programs, the IRC actively works to combat an evolving housing market through community partnership, education tailored to refugees and other immigrants, and access to financial support for eligible community members.

Community Sponsorship is a new program at the IRC in Salt Lake City! This program gives the community a chance to be involved with the resettlement process in a hands-on way. We sat down with Kristi Haycock, Community Sponsorship Manager, about what is involved in community sponsorship, and how people can get started!

In September 2021, Suzy Stutzman of Golden Optimists reached out to the IRC in Denver, offering refurbished bicycles to refugees. Golden Optimists, a volunteer-run non-profit in Golden, Colorado, has been transforming donated bikes into sustainable transportation for those in need for over 35 years. During the pandemic, they pivoted to support incoming refugees, including many from Afghanistan. This partnership has provided over 100 bikes to IRC Denver clients, enhancing their mobility and integration into the community. The collaboration highlights the profound impact of community support and the ongoing need for volunteers to sustain these efforts.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the work of the IRC in Oakland and the Bay Area! Your generous donations of household items help provide a warm welcome to refugees upon their arrival as well as their continue integration in our local communities.

The IRC in Modesto and Turlock offers one-on-one and group training to prepare clients for entry-level cashier positions in the local job market. 

Through an enduring partnership with the City of Boise, the IRC in Boise empowers newly-arrived refugee clients to engage in their own job search and achieve self-sufficiency.