New York, NY, March 22, 2024 — Today, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) announces the launch of the Welcome Corps Support Line (WCSL), a new initiative to support everyday Americans in navigating the resettlement process for refugees sponsored through the Welcome Corps. WCSL will provide technical assistance to Welcome Corps Private Sponsor Groups (PSGs) in the form of general resettlement guidance, access to shared learning resources, information about local community supports, and referrals to Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-funded programs.
The goal of the Welcome Corps Support Line is to be a resource for PSGs and a bridge between refugee newcomers, their sponsors, and local community service providers to facilitate efficient and effective enrollment in additional programs.
Hans Van de Weerd, Senior Vice President for Resettlement, Asylum and Integration, said:
“The Welcome Corps is a bold innovation in refugee resettlement which has provided a new service opportunity for private sponsors to welcome refugees to the United States. Through the new Welcome Corps Support Line, sponsors will receive essential support and resources, ensuring that they have everything needed to assist refugees as they rebuild their lives. Ultimately, this support will result in better outcomes and stronger integration for these new arrivals.”
Private Sponsor Groups (PSGs) can access the Welcome Corps Support Line by calling (212) 551-3100, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm ET, or emailing [email protected].
WCSL is part of the Switchboard project.The IRC received competitive funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant #90RB0052 and Grant #90RB0053. The project is 100% financed by federal funds. The contents of this document are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
The Department of State funds a consortium of non-profit organizations with expertise in refugee resettlement, protection, and welcome to implement the
Welcome Corps. The Welcome Corps is implemented through the collective efforts of these organizations under a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration at the U.S. Department of State.