The support of volunteers and partners, especially in 2022, has been remarkable! Take a look at highlights from IRC in NJ’s successful housing partnerships:  

One World One Love is a volunteer-oriented organization that is built on the kindness of its volunteers. In 2022, One World One Love supported 119 households of 504 men, women, and children - from 18 countries, and that includes 76 apartment setups, of which IRC families were also assisted.  

Once the IRC in NJ has secured a home for a client, including their family members, One World One Love’s lead coordinators organize volunteers to prepare the apartments for move-ins and they also help secure household items. Setups can take close to five hours. Their volunteers are dedicated and even drive up from 1 hour away to bring hands-on assistance for an apartment setup. 

home set-up
Housing Partners play a key role in home set-ups!
Photo: IRC in NJ

Julie, a coordinator at One World One Love, shares “When a family from the Democratic Republic of Congo arrived in their apartment. They walked through the rooms and pointed to items asking the caseworker, "Does this belong to the landlord? What about this? Does this belong to the landlord?" When the caseworker told them that all the furnishings in the apartment were theirs to keep, they were astounded.”  

This moment was very important for the family – because in that instant, they felt at home. In addition, One World One Love served over 20 families (totaling 95 individuals) in their Babies program which delivers diapers, clothing, and other essentials each month. 33 households received refurbished bikes, helmets, locks and pumps through the bike program. 14 individuals received tutoring and 7 youth and children received full scholarships to attend summer camps. One World One Love was able to provide $25,000 in scholarships through their Afghan empowerment scholarship program for ESL classes, driver’s ed, and job training. 

If you’d like to volunteer with One World One Love, please email [email protected]. Include in the email: your hometown, cell phone number, and vaccination status. Setups are normally during the week, and volunteers age 10+ are welcome. Volunteers will be required to fill out a background check, see here for more details.Setup supports are primarily in Union, Hudson, and Bergen County at the moment.  

One World One Love’s partnership has been instrumental in supporting refugee families with move-ins. With their help, the IRC in NJ continues to ensure that clients move into a safe and welcoming home. The IRC in NJ is also grateful to Extended State America, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, and the Latter Saint Day Church for responding to the emergency needs of clients living in temporary housing who were struggling to secure access to food and basic needs. To learn more about housing challenges refugee families continue to face, please see here for New Jersey.