Welcoming Refugees: What Can You Do?
Learn More:
The Refugee Alliance website hosts a variety of resources for both New Iowans as well as direct service providers to learn how to serve our New Iowan communities better. The “Resources” tab above hosts a Newcomer Resource Directory, information on COVID-19 recovery and resources, a community-based ELL class matrix, information on the Refugee Immigrant Guide program, and more. Each of our workgroup also offers a host of resources specific to each sector. We also welcome the public at all of our events! For anyone with additional questions on resources or how to connect, we are always happy to help.
Do More:
All 7 resettlement sites in Iowa are successful in welcoming New Iowans largely due to the support they receive from local communities. Whether through direct donations of gently used furniture to set up new homes, volunteering with various programs, or monetary donations, if you are looking for ways to help welcome refugees to our state here are the direct links to each agency:
Catherine McAuley Center (Cedar Rapids)
Catholic Charities (Des Moines)
International Rescue Committee (Des Moines, Iowa City)
Lutheran Services in Iowa (Des Moines/Sioux City)
Mary Treglia House (Sioux City)
United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (Des Moines)
World Relief (Davenport/Quad Cities)
Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa
RACI is a voluntary membership network of service providers, government agencies, religious groups, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions that work together to better serve the needs of the growing refugee population in central Iowa. We provide targeted assistance in the areas of health, housing and transportation, interpretation, education, legal, along with advocacy at federal, state, and local government level.