Each year the IRC in San Diego resettles approximately 1,000 refugees with the majority coming from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia in recent years. Now, with only a few months left in the fiscal year, nearly half of all the people who will be resettled through the IRC in San Diego this year are set to arrive in just three short but very busy months. By September 30th, we expect as many as 500 individuals, mostly Syrian, to reach their new homes.

This marks a significant change in the demographics of clients served by the IRC in San Diego. The majority of new arrivals will be Syrian, while for the past 8 years Iraqis have been the largest group served.  With the Syrian civil war now in its fifth year, the majority of families now arriving have been displaced from their homes for approximately three years and are just now reaching the safety of San Diego.

As our staff and resources are stretched to their limit during this busy time serving a new population, there are many ways the local community can help: 

Make a cash donation: cash gifts give us the flexibility to use community support quickly and efficiently where it is needed most.
Make an in-kind gift: Your family, community organization, or other group can collect items needed by newly arrived families to help smooth their transition and reduce expenses. 
Attend a volunteer orientation: Volunteer Orientation provides a great overview of our programs and opportunities to get involved. Volunteer positions are subject to availability.