TITLE: Welcome Committee: Housing Set Up Volunteer

LOCATION: Des Moines, IA                   

START DATE: Ongoing

DURATION: Minimum 3-month time commitment

SCHEDULE: Flexible (mostly on call) most setups occur Monday – Friday, between 9-5 PM, but can also happen on weekends. A typical housing setup takes 2-5 hours.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict.  Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.  

The Des Moines, IA office was opened in July of 2022, serving more than 200 refugees in its first year. Our operations expanded to Iowa City with our office opening in February 2024. The Health and Wellness Coordinator supports clients in navigating complex medical and benefits systems, and designs and connects clients to programs and resources that improve their quality of life.

Scope of Service 

The volunteer will assist the case manager to prepare and furnish apartments for new refugee families. Volunteers will not be required to purchase anything.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

  • Driving to or traveling with IRC staff to pick up and drop off furniture, supplies, and food to the new home
  • Unpacking, assembling, and arranging household items to create a welcoming home
  • Washing and putting dishes away
  • General cleaning such as dusting and vacuuming 
  • Setting up other household items such as beds so they are ready to go upon client arrival

Desired but not Required:

  • Can speak Swahili, Dari / Farsi, Pashto, French, or Spanish.
  • Driver's license and insured car
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds or more (to help with furniture)

This is an unpaid volunteer position.

How to apply 

Go to https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer and complete the application. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected]. Once your application is received, a staff member will contact you for a brief interview. You will then receive a link to complete a background check. Finally, you will be contacted to attend a required volunteer training. 

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.