“In the news, they talk about migrants and people rushing the border, but really, these are families fleeing dangerous, violent places and seeking legal asylum here in the U.S.,” says IRC Voice Piper Perabo, who met Central American families in Arizona.

The IRC provides opportunities for refugees to thrive in America. In Los Angeles and many other regional offices across the country, the IRC helps them rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. To accomplish this, IRC LA relies heavily on efforts by our interns and volunteers.

After an arduous trek from Central America, families fleeing violence at home have reached the U.S. border with few possessions. These are some of the items IRC staff assisting asylum seekers in Arizona say are the most urgently needed.

In acute emergencies, the IRC establishes emergency water, sanitation and hygiene promotion programs, ensuring that life-saving services can be initiated efficiently. As countries evolve from emergencies to rebuilding, the IRC works to build stronger community and government oversight on improved water, hygiene and sanitation services, and maintenance of systems.

A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in real time. Now is the time to meet the moment.

This week, many kids in the United States return to class for the start of a new school year. But for the millions of children around the world facing conflict and crisis, lessons this year look very different. 

Actor and IRC Ambassador Mandy Patinkin traveled to Jordan to share the stories of courageous and extraordinary Syrians who are overcoming trauma and hardship to carve out new lives.

This year, the IRC in New York’s New Roots Community Gardens (NRCG) in Queens is celebrating its second year since its grand opening during the pandemic in 2021. The garden has come a long way, providing a safe space for members to make new friends, harvest veggies/herbs, and connect with the land. 

"You can see the emotional impact of the explosion in every face," says IRC staff member Elias El Beam, who volunteered to help after the Beirut blast. "But you can also see hope."