9+ Best Refugee Organizations and Programs in NYC [2024]

New York City, a bustling metropolis and a melting pot of cultures, has long been a beacon of hope for refugees and immigrants seeking a fresh start. The city's rich diversity is reflected in the myriad of organizations dedicated to supporting refugees through various services and programs. 

Whether you're looking for housing and employment support or translation and interpretation services, NYC offers a plethora of resources to help refugees integrate into their new communities. In this article, we’ll highlight eight of the best refugee organizations and programs in NYC, showcasing their incredible work and the vital support they provide to those in need.

What Do Refugee Organizations Do? 

Refugee organizations play a crucial role in assisting individuals and families who have fled their home countries due to persecution, conflict, or violence. These organizations offer a wide range of services designed to help refugees navigate their new environments and build sustainable lives. Here are some of the key functions and services provided by refugee organizations:

• Resettlement Assistance: Helping refugees find housing, securing essential household items, and providing guidance on how to adjust to life in a new country.

• Legal Support: Offering legal services to assist with asylum applications, work permits, and other immigration-related processes.

• Language and Employment Services: Providing language classes and job training programs to help refugees gain the skills needed to secure employment and integrate into the workforce.

• Education and Youth Programs: Supporting educational needs through tutoring and school enrollment assistance, helping refugee children and young adults continue their education and adapt to new academic environments.

• Translation and Interpretation Services: Ensuring effective communication through translation and interpretation services, which are vital for accessing healthcare, education, and other essential services.

• Health and Wellness Services: Offering access to medical care, mental health support, and wellness programs to address the unique health challenges faced by refugees.

• Community Integration: Fostering a sense of community through cultural orientation sessions, social events, and mentorship programs to build connections and support networks.

• Advocacy and Policy Work: Engaging in advocacy to promote policies that protect and support refugees, raising awareness and influencing legislation at local, national, and international levels.

By offering these comprehensive services, refugee organizations empower individuals to rebuild their lives, contribute to their new communities, and achieve self-sufficiency.

Top Organizations for Refugees & Immigrants in NYC 

New York City is home to numerous organizations dedicated to supporting refugees and immigrants as they navigate their new lives. Here are some of the top organizations making a significant impact in NYC:

1. Equity Languages and Employment Services 

Equity Languages and Employment Services may not be physically based in New York City, but they serve the refugee and immigrant community across the United States, including NYC. As a refugee-owned company, they provide essential support to help individuals integrate and succeed.

Services offered:

• Translation and Interpretation: Professional services for various settings including healthcare, legal, and educational.

• Employment Services: Assistance with resume building, job search strategies, and interview preparation.

• Employer Services: Provides employers with highly skilled professionals that match their unique hiring needs.

Equity Languages is dedicated to bridging the language gap and creating pathways to employment for refugees and immigrants.

Book your free consultation call with Equity Languages and Employment Services!

2. Catholic Charities of New York 

Catholic Charities of New York provides comprehensive support services to immigrants and refugees. Their programs include resettlement assistance, legal aid for immigration matters, language classes, and job training. They also offer emergency food and shelter, ensuring that newcomers have a stable foundation as they start their new lives in the city.

3. The Riverside Church 

The Riverside Church offers extensive support for asylum seekers and refugees through its Asylum Seeker Assistance Project (ASAP). They provide legal assistance, help with housing, and offer community support programs to help individuals and families integrate into their new environment. The church also runs various advocacy initiatives to promote refugee rights.

4. HIAS New York 

HIAS New York is a branch of the global Jewish nonprofit that provides a range of services to refugees and asylum seekers. They offer legal assistance, psychosocial support, and help with resettlement and integration. HIAS also engages in advocacy work to influence policies that protect the rights of refugees.

5. New York Immigration Coalition 

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is an umbrella organization that advocates for the rights of immigrants and refugees. They provide legal services, language and employment programs, and community education initiatives. NYIC also engages in policy advocacy, striving to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for immigrants in New York.

6. CAMBA

CAMBA offers a variety of programs to support refugees and asylees in NYC, including economic development and employment services. They provide job training, language classes, and resettlement assistance. CAMBA's holistic approach ensures that refugees have access to the resources they need to become self-sufficient and thrive in their new communities.

7. International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in New York provides critical support to refugees and immigrants. Their services include resettlement assistance, employment support, legal aid, and education programs. The IRC also focuses on health services, ensuring that refugees have access to necessary medical care.

8. International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) offers legal advocacy and direct assistance to refugees and displaced individuals. They provide legal aid to help refugees navigate the complex immigration system and secure safe resettlement. IRAP also engages in policy advocacy to promote systemic changes that benefit refugees globally.

9. RIF Asylum Support

RIF Asylum Support provides crucial services to asylum seekers, including legal assistance, housing support, and community integration programs. They work to ensure that asylum seekers have access to the resources they need to navigate the asylum process and establish stable lives in New York City.

More on Refugee Organizations in NYC

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about refugee and immigrant organizations in NYC. 

What organizations help refugees in NYC? 

In New York City, various types of organizations help refugees, including:

• Nonprofit Organizations: These groups provide a wide range of services, including legal aid, resettlement assistance, language classes, and employment support. Examples include HIAS New York and the International Rescue Committee.

• Religious Institutions: Many faith-based organizations offer support to refugees through food programs, shelter, legal assistance, and community integration activities. Catholic Charities and The Riverside Church are prominent examples.

• Community-Based Organizations: Local community groups often provide targeted support, such as cultural orientation, education programs, and youth services, to help refugees integrate into their new neighborhoods.

• Advocacy Groups: These organizations work to protect the rights of refugees and influence policy at local, state, and national levels. The New York Immigration Coalition is a key player in this area.

• Social Service Agencies: These agencies provide essential services such as housing assistance, healthcare, and mental health support to help refugees rebuild their lives.

Where are asylum seekers staying in NYC? 

Asylum seekers in NYC stay in various accommodations, including shelters run by the city and nonprofit organizations, transitional housing programs that offer longer-term solutions while awaiting legal proceedings, and private residences where some asylum seekers stay with family or friends.

How can I help migrant children in NYC?

There are many different ways you can help migrant children and refugee families in NYC, including:

• Volunteering: Many organizations need volunteers to assist with tutoring, teaching English, mentorship, and recreational activities.

• Donating: Financial contributions or in-kind donations such as school supplies, clothing, and toys are always appreciated.

• Advocating: Raise awareness about the needs of migrant children and support policies that protect their rights and well-being.

• Supporting Programs: Get involved with organizations that provide direct services to migrant children, such as after-school programs and counseling services.

What is the refugee housing program?

The refugee housing program in NYC provides temporary and permanent housing solutions for refugees. This includes emergency shelters for immediate, short-term housing, transitional housing with support services to help refugees transition to permanent housing, and permanent housing solutions that integrate refugees into the community with ongoing support to ensure stability and self-sufficiency.

How much is refugee cash assistance in New York? 

Refugee cash assistance in New York varies based on individual needs and family size. Generally, refugees may receive:

• Monthly Stipends: Provided for a limited period, usually up to eight months, to help with basic living expenses.

• Additional Benefits: Refugees may also qualify for other public assistance programs, such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid, to supplement their income and healthcare needs.

Discover the Best Refugee Organizations in NYC 

New York City is a sanctuary for refugees from around the world, offering a wide array of resources and support through its numerous dedicated organizations. From legal assistance and housing to educational programs and health services, these organizations play a vital role in helping refugees rebuild their lives and integrate into their new communities.

If you or someone you know is looking for assistance with translations, interpretation, and employment, Equity Languages & Employment Services is an excellent resource. As a refugee-owned business, Equity Languages understands the unique challenges faced by refugees and immigrants. They provide professional translation and interpretation services, language training, employment support, and more to help individuals succeed.

For personalized support and to learn more about how Equity Languages can assist you, book a free consultation.