Missoula, MT

The IRC in Montana serves displaced families and individuals across Montana, including refugees, asylees, and other immigrants, as they rebuild their lives in the United States. We provide in person and virtual services across the state. Our clients come from countries around the world, fleeing violence, persecution, and humanitarian crises. Many have left their homes with a well-founded fear of return and are seeking safety, stability, and new opportunities.

The IRC office in Montana first opened in 1979 in response to the arrival of Hmong refugees. After 10 years, the office closed after welcoming 500+ refugees but was eventually re-opened in 2016. Since re-opening, the IRC office in Missoula has helped 800+ individuals and families across Montana from countries such as Syria, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, and many others.

We are passionate about providing client-centered and culturally appropriate services that empower and support the individuals we serve. We know that our clients have faced incredible challenges on their way to the U.S. and that the journey does not end here.

Workforce and Integration offers programs designed to support financial empowerment and employment success for individuals and families in the community. These programs include 1:1 financial literacy coaching, loan products, work readiness training, and 1:1 employment assistance, helping participants achieve long-term self-reliance.

Education and Training supports digital skills navigation to bridge technology gaps by providing digital skills training, 1:1 coaching, and to internet and device support. Together, these initiatives empower clients with the tools and knowledge needed for personal and professional growth.

Health Navigation supports individuals, families, and youth in mental and physical health navigation and education.

Case Management offers short-term hands-on support with systems navigation and referrals that support self-sufficiency.

Resettlement offers refugees identified by the United Nations refugee agency support when they arrive in Missoula. This support includes cultural orientation and navigation in securing housing, employment, health care, English classes, school enrollment for children, immigration legal services, and referrals to community resources to support full integration into the U.S.

Immigration Legal Services provides quality low-cost and no-cost legal representation to refugees, asylees, and other immigrants seeking lawful permanent residency, citizenship, and family reunification, among other benefits. We help our clients navigate the complex immigration process in a trauma-informed and culturally appropriate way so that they may achieve lasting safety and stability here in the United States. The legal team also provides Know Your Rights & Responsibilities (KYRR) trainings and other community education events, helping empower immigrants and allies alike. If you are interested in hosting such an event, please email missoula@rescue.org to find out more. Please complete the legal services referral form to be connected the IRC Montana Immigration Legal team.

Please complete the general referral form or immigration legal services form and someone from the IRC will reach out to you shortly. You can also reach out to the IRC by calling or texting 406-833-0985 or emailing missoula@rescue.org.

Our work isn’t possible without your support. Here’s how you can help: 

Donate: Make a tax-deductible financial contribution online or by mail at PO Box 235, Missoula, MT 59801. 

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities: See our current list of volunteer opportunities and available internships. Contact us at volunteer.missoula@rescue.org or 406-210-2047 with any questions.

Become an employment partner or get your workplace involved: Are you hiring? Partner with the IRC to provide employment opportunities for new Americans. Contact us at Missoula@rescue.org. 

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The IRC office in Montana opened in Missoula in 2016 and focused on welcoming newly arrived refugee families into Missoula County. Since that time, the IRC has welcomed 800+ individuals in Missoula, Lewis & Clark, and Flathead Counties. In recent years, we have received an increasing number of requests for services from individuals and organizations throughout the state of Montana. While Missoula benefits from a strong network of supports, many communities across the state face significant needs and have limited or no access to comparable services. In response, we have expanded our immigration legal services, financial capability programming, and youth health initiatives across the state as capacity and funding has allowed.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to conducting comprehensive needs assessments across Montana to better understand community needs and existing resources. These assessments will guide the thoughtful growth of our programs statewide to support long‑term economic mobility and well‑being for vulnerable populations. If you offer a service or have a connection that could benefit our clients, we invite you to connect with us at missoula@rescue.org.