Join Community Support Groups

Get Involved

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of refugees in your area? Do you believe in the power of community support for successful integration? Join a community group to collaborate with IRC Seattle to help refugee families resettle into their new home.

Community Support Groups

Community Support Groups, comprising a dedicated team of at least three volunteers, offer volunteer services to support newly arrived refugees through a four-month commitment and a clearly defined financial contribution to help with housing expenses, move-in fees, utility and rental assistance, and in-kind donations. These community groups can take many forms, including local clubs, university communities, faith-based institutions, community groups, sports teams, book clubs, and many more. These groups play a crucial role in local refugee resettlement efforts.

Your Impact as Community Support Groups

Community Support Groups responsibilities will encompass a range of vital tasks that directly impact the well-being of the sponsored family. Working alongside the IRC Washington office, your efforts will be instrumental in helping the family establish themselves in their new community and navigate the challenges of their resettlement journey.

Group of volunteers sharing Congolese meal with Congolese family

Volunteers and Congolese family sharing a meal together

Photo: AOberstadt Boise 001

Key Services You Can Provide Include:

Securing Safe and Affordable Housing: Play a crucial role in finding a suitable housing unit for the refugee family, ensuring it meets safety standards and is available for at least 6-12 months. This includes identifying affordable options and coordinating with landlords and property managers.
Equipping Housing with Household Items: Assist the family in settling into their new home by furnishing the housing unit with appropriate household items, ensuring they have the essentials to start their new life comfortably.
Initial Basic Needs Support: Provide food and essential items, including groceries, clothing, toiletries, and other necessary supplies, to meet the family's basic needs at the beginning of their resettlement period.

English Classes and Employment Services: Connect adult family members to English language classes and employment services, such as job training programs, job fairs, and networking opportunities, which will significantly contribute to their economic stability and self-reliance.
Assisting with Personal Identification Documents: Help the family gather and obtain necessary personal identification documents, such as state IDs, social security cards, and other official paperwork required for various purposes.
School Enrollment for Minors: Help enroll minor family members in local schools, ensuring they have access to education and a supportive learning environment.
Medical Follow-Up and Transportation: Facilitate medical follow-up appointments for the family, including arranging transportation to healthcare facilities and ensuring their health needs are met.
Case Notes and Documentation: Maintain thorough case notes and documentation to track the family's progress, document services provided, and ensure effective communication between all stakeholders involved in the sponsorship process.

Community Support Groups Requirements:

Be located within 100 miles of the IRC Seattle office.
Have a team of a minimum of 3 dedicated volunteers.
Commit to 4 months of mentorship and client support.
Raise $3,000 to support the family you will be working with. This sum can be comprised, in part, of in-kind donations and will supplement other benefits the family receives.
Be available to support the family during business hours (when many of their appointments are scheduled).
The team lead(s) must submit an application on behalf of the group, and each group member must undergo a background check.
Attend a two-part orientation and training.
Team leader(s) will sign a non-binding Community Support Groups agreement with IRC.
Participate in regular check-in sessions with IRC staff.

Next Steps:

Visit https://www.rescue.org/united-states/seattle-wa to learn more about resettlement and IRC programs in Seattle!
Review the requirements above and find like-minded people willing to join your team.
Schedule an information session with IRC’s Community Sponsorship Coordinator, Lidet Gezahegne at [email protected].