The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, survivors of torture, and other immigrants to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of people, forced to flee violence and persecution, are welcomed by the people of the United States into the safety and freedom of America. These individuals have survived against incredible odds. The IRC works with government bodies, civil society actors, and local volunteers to help them translate their past experiences into assets that are valuable to their new communities. In Denver and other offices across the country, the IRC helps them to rebuild their lives.
Refugees are people fleeing violence and persecution—in Myanmar, Cuba, Iraq, and other countries in crisis. They are seeking safety and the chance to move their lives forward.
The United States has a long tradition of sheltering those fleeing conflict and persecution. Once refugees have been identified by the United Nations refugee agency and cleared for resettlement, the U.S. government works with the IRC and eight other national resettlement agencies to help them restart their lives in America. Out of the nearly 20 million refugees in the world, fewer than 1 percent are considered for resettlement worldwide.
Refugees may be placed in a city where they have relatives or friends, or where there’s an established community that shares their language or culture. Other considerations include the cost of living and a community’s ability to provide medical services. However, as legal U.S. residents, refugees may live in any city and state they chose.
Our programs are designed to ensure refugees thrive in America--whether ensuring children are enrolled in school, adults become self-reliant through employment or starting businesses, or families receive the acute medical care they need to recover from trauma or illness. The IRC helps those in need to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home community.
Refugees are greeted and welcomed at the airport by IRC case workers and volunteers to ensure their transition is as comfortable as possible. The IRC also makes sure newly arrived refugees receive:
- Help with rent
- Health care
- Nutritious, affordable food
- Help building job, computer, and financial literacy skills
- Education for their children
- Social services and community support
- Legal services towards residency and citizenship
Our programs in Denver:
- Reception & Placement Services
- Employment and job readiness services
- Financial capability programming
- Short term financial assistance
- Health education and navigation
- Health insurance literacy
- Family Stabilization
- Psychosocial support
- Services for survivors of torture
- Immigration
There are many ways that you can get involved with the IRC’s work in Denver. You can:
Join our mailing list
- Stay up-to-date on IRC Denver news, events and needs. Subscribe here.
Intern
- Learn more about current openings and how to apply here
Volunteer
- Learn more about current openings and how to apply here
- The first step to volunteering with the IRC in Denver is to attend one of our virtual monthly General Information Presentations. Sign up to attend HERE
Sponsor a Family
- Learn more about our Co-Sponsorship Program here.
Spread the Word
- Consider hosting your own fundraising campaign (online or offline) Create your own DIY peer fundraiser here to engage and involve your community with raising funds for the IRC in Denver. You can also use the "Team Fundraiser" feature to fundraise as a team!
Contribute financially with a donation
- Your contributions are essential to ensuring refugees arriving in Denver are able to succeed. Become a monthly sustainer or make a one-time donation here
Donate furniture or household items
- Here you can find our donation guidelines and an up-to-date list of items we are able to accept.
- Items on the list can be brought to our Donations Warehouse, 7808 Cherry Creek Drive S, Unit 203, Denver, CO 80231, during business hours 9 am - 5 pm. We regret that we are unable to pick up furniture or household items.
- Donation kits are a great way to make a big difference. Check out our full list of kits.
- Purchase a household item for a refugee family through our Amazon Wishlist.
Purchase a meal or groceries for a newly arrived refugee family or individual
- 1. First Meal! Donate a meal and help an individual or family feel welcome by taking them out to eat the same day they arrive. Some clients prefer food familiar from their homeland, but others are eager to try American fast food!
Remote Alternative: Use a delivery service or donate a gift card for a first meal.
2. Groceries for Good! Help a family by taking them shopping and paying for a week of groceries.
Remote alternative: Use Instacart to order groceries (IRC can provide suggestions based on where the family is from) or donate a gift card.
If you are intrigued and would like to learn more, sign up here to receive information about the program,
Employ a refugee
- One of the most important ways you can help refugees on their paths to rebuild their lives and gain economic self-sufficiency is to offer them employment. Refugees arrive with resilient spirits and a strong motivation to learn, work and contribute to their new community. IRC’s employment services help refugees prepare for Colorado’s job market and secure employment—from entry-level positions to advanced placements. Is your company hiring? Let us know! We have clients who are ready to go to work. Contact [email protected]
Once they acclimate to their new environment, refugees often thrive and contribute to their communities, building careers, purchasing homes, gaining citizenship. A recent Economic and Fiscal Impact of Refugees in Colorado study conducted by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) found that refugees bring huge economic and fiscal benefits to their home state of Colorado.
Highlights from the fiscal impact report
- $2.4 billion in industry activity generated
- $1.1 billion in Gross State Product (GSP)
- $92 million in Colorado tax revenue
- 4 Colorado jobs created for each refugee resettled
- $14,500 jobs supported
- $611 million in labor income generated
You can read the report's full findings here.
Thank you for your interest in connecting with the IRC in Denver.
The best way for us to direct your questions to the appropriate staff member is to email us.
- For general questions, please e-mail [email protected].
- For questions about Volunteering, please email [email protected]
- For questions about Donating furniture and household goods, please email [email protected]
Our main phone number is: (720) 328-6655.
To learn more about our donation needs or volunteer and intern opportunities, please click here.
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 asylum2,697
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 immigration15,000
Our economic empowerment support includes financial coaching, vocational training and asset building.
