Resources by librarians – for everyone
Provides free support to those seeking asylum in the U.S. and Canada. Services include housing, food, clothing, legal aid, medical care, mental health care, English as a Second Language classes, education, job training, recreation, transportation, and offsite housing after asylum is gained. Located in Detroit, MI; hours and contact information available on website.
https://www.freedomhousedetroit.org/index.php/services
Provides free support for refugees in and around Western Michigan. Services include mentorship, language and citizenship classes, and assistance with the Department of Human Services, finances, education, and more. Located in Grand Rapids, MI; hours and contact information listed on website.
Direct link to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Michigan listing of refugee service agencies. Includes addresses and telephone numbers.
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/resource/state-of-michigan-programs-and-services-by-locality
JFS of Washtenaw County assists with pre-arrival processing and reception for refugees resettling in the Ann Arbor area. They provide orientation, case management, basic necessities, English and citizenship classes, short-term counseling, classes in American culture, employment services, and document translation.
Website includes Request for Help form, email address, phone number, physical address, and hours of operation.
https://jfsannarbor.org/programs-services/international-services/resettlement/
The Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees (MVRCR) assists refugees and immigrants, and individuals with limited English proficiency. MVRCR is partially accredited by the US Department of Justice and thereby authorized to represent clients before US Citizenship and Immigration Services and to complete immigration forms on clients’ behalf. MVRCR provides advocacy, counseling, information, processing, and referrals for citizenship and immigration issues. It has a refugee resettlement program in Utica that has resettled more than 15,000 individuals in the city since 1981.
The organization also provides interpretation and translation services and training in cultural competency (for interactions involving health care, education, government services, and more).
MVRCR seeks to help its clients achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
Helps with refugee resettlement efforts in West Michigan, including pairing unaccompanied minors with foster families. Offers a transitional living facility for youths, as well as employment services, English language classes, transportation assistance, and mentoring opportunities. Additionally, provides counseling for victims of trauma, including coordinating medical and legal services.
American citizens may also find information on how to support these efforts, and can learn more about the refugee crisis in the Middle East.
Website includes contact form, phone number, and address.
https://www.bethany.org/other-services/refugee-and-immigrant-services
Referral network of mental health professionals committed to providing culturally responsive counseling and therapeutic services for refugees in the greater Baltimore area. Counseling services through the Connection are provided for free (pro bono) or under reimbursement through Medical Assistance (Medicaid).
There is no charge to the client.
The International Rescue Committee currently works in 29 cities across the United States. Available programs vary by city. Program areas include: resettlement, community integration, adult and youth education, protection and legal services, and physical and mental health.
Nationally recognized non-profit works to help refugee women and their families thrive in the Puget Sound region. The organization’s services include: ESL classes, job training, relocation assistance, naturalization and legal assistance, youth and adult education, mental health support, and domestic violence assistance. Services are available in over 50 languages and dialects.
RIAC is a community-based, non-profit, grassroots human service agency that provides comprehensive services to refugees, asylees, and immigrants as well as the larger community.