Support Refugees 

Image courtesy of John Englart, is unmodified, and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Iryna Petrus and her daughter, refugees displaced by Russia’s war in Ukraine, experienced a taste of their home country when resettling in Minnesota in May 2022. Through the Ukrainian American Community Center in Minneapolis, Iryna found housing, a job, and community. 

When refugees arrive, they need assistance to get settled and become self-sufficient. 

Actions

1. Support refugee-owned businesses.

Time: 10 minutes 

Support refugees and uplift your local community through your dollar. 

1. Look up a refugee business to support. Dine at a refugee-owned restaurant. 

2. Donate money and supplies

Time: 10+ minutes 

Resettlement agencies and other non-profit organizations need financial support to continue welcoming refugees to the United States. 

1. Locate local refugee assistance organizations near you: https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=refugee+assistance+organizations+near+me  
2. Donate money or items (clothing, furniture, etc.) to organizations that provide direct assistance to refugees.

3. Volunteer

Time: Donate your time as desired 

Organizations need volunteers to help refugees connect with services, find housing, learn English, find jobs and feel welcome in their new country. 

1. Find a local resettlement agency or other non-profit organization near you. Search the Refugee Council USA’s volunteer board. 

Learn more 

• Support Ukrainians and Act Against Russia’s War, World Without Genocide — Related action toolkit on how to support Ukrainians. 

Updated September 2023.