The IRC in Sacramento, CA

The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in the United States. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. Each year, thousands of people seeking protection from violence and persecution are welcomed into local communities in the U.S. In Sacramento and other offices across the country, the IRC helps them rebuild their lives.

How does the IRC help you as a refugee in Sacramento?

Our programs are designed to ensure that you, as a refugee, thrive in America--whether ensuring your children are enrolled in school, or as adults you're becoming self-reliant through employment or starting businesses, or your family is receiving the acute medical care they need to recover from trauma or illness. The IRC helps you if you're in need to rebuild your life and regain control of your future in your new home community.

    Our programs in Sacramento are established to help you. These programs include:

    Refugee Resettlement

    Economic Empowerment

    Immigration

    New Roots

    Anti-Human Trafficking

    As refugees, you are greeted and welcomed at the airport by IRC case workers and volunteers to ensure that your transition is as comfortable as possible. The IRC also makes sure you, as a newly arrived refugee, receive:

    • A furnished home
    • Help with rent
    • Health care
    • Nutritious, affordable food
    • English language classes
    • Help building job, computer, and financial literacy skills
    • Education for their children
    • Social services and community support
    • Legal services towards residency and citizenship

     

    Who does the IRC serve in Sacramento?

    We support people who have been displaced from their homes by things like conflict, violence, and persecution. Though their technical status may vary, one thing these individuals have in common is that they are seeking safety and an opportunity to move their lives forward. 

    This includes people with refugee status, those seeking or recently granted asylum, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and more. In recent years, many have come from countries like Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Guatemala, El Salvador, Eritrea, and Iran. 

    Those with refugee status come to the U.S. through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which partners with the IRC and nine other national resettlement agencies to help them restart their lives. Out of the 35.3 million refugees worldwide, fewer than 1 percent are considered for resettlement. 

    Learn more about how refugee resettlement works. 

    Why are people seeking protection in Northern California?

    The United States has a rich history of sheltering those fleeing conflict, violence, and persecution—a tradition the IRC is proud to carry on in Sacramento today.  

    Communities across Northern California are some of the nation’s most welcoming and are rich with resources to support refugees and immigrants. That’s why so many newcomers have made their home here.

    How does the IRC help people who were forced to flee?

    With support from people like you, the IRC helps newcomers as they rebuild their lives and regain control of their futures. Together, we walk alongside our new neighbors from the moment they arrive, helping them find work and start businesses to become self-reliant, enroll their children in school, and access the healthcare they need to recover from trauma and illness. 

    As families adjust to life in the U.S., the IRC provides holistic support, ensuring they remain in stable housing, have access to nutritious food and quality health care, and develop computer, job, and financial literacy skills. We also provide legal services to help individuals become residents, citizens, and reunite with their families. 

    How can I support newcomers in my community?

    There are many ways that you can get involved with the IRC’s work in Sacramento. You can: 

    Donate: Give a tax-deductible financial contribution either via the website or send it to our office.

    Volunteer process and opportunities: Read the steps you need to go through to become an IRC volunteer and see our current list of volunteer opportunities here.

    Internship opportunities: See our current list of internship opportunities here.

    New or gently used items needed for refugees: We’re collecting bicycles, computers, child seats, and strollers for newly arrived refugees. 

    Spread the word: Consider hosting a fundraiser via Crowdrise. Stay connected by following us on Facebook and ask others to do the same!

    How do newcomers contribute to Sacramento?

    Once they acclimate to their new environment, refugees contribute to their communities in many ways as they build their careers, purchase homes, and gain citizenship. They help enrich our local communities by creating cultural and social diversity. 
     
    Additionally, research shows that refugees contribute more to the U.S. economy than they consume in public benefits and start businesses and higher rates than their native-born counterparts.  

    Our impact

    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 asylum

    2,697

    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 immigration

    15,000

    Our economic empowerment support includes financial coaching, vocational training and asset building.

    people with training to help them build careers and income.

    Learn more