IM Refugee Services
We believe when we see those in need of community and a sense of belonging – we welcome them. At IM Houston’s Refugee Services, our volunteers work to help our new neighbors find comfort in their surroundings.
We connect them to education, job development, health services, and place these new Houstonians on the path to citizenship and self-sufficiency.
IM Houston’s Refugee Services department, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department and Episcopal Migration Ministries, resettles legal refugees fleeing their homeland in fear of political, social or religious persecution. IM Houston helps refugees from around the world make new lives in America. Over 90% of the clients we serve are self-sufficient, productive members of the community within 6 months.
Today, there are an estimated 35.3 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. Women and children constitute the majority of these displaced people. Each year, hundreds of these refugee families arrive in Houston through IM.
In the fall of 2021, the United States experienced the greatest influx of refugees in its history when Kabul fell. Thousands of Afghans, many of whom had been working with American troops, fled in fear for their lives. Interfaith Ministries has welcomed and is working with more Afghans than any other local agency.
In the past 30 years, IM Refugee Services has served refugees from over 40 countries.
We connect them to education, job development, health services, and place these new Houstonians on the path to citizenship and self-sufficiency.
IM Houston’s Refugee Services department, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department and Episcopal Migration Ministries, resettles legal refugees fleeing their homeland in fear of political, social or religious persecution. IM Houston helps refugees from around the world make new lives in America. Over 90% of the clients we serve are self-sufficient, productive members of the community within 6 months.
Today, there are an estimated 35.3 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. Women and children constitute the majority of these displaced people. Each year, hundreds of these refugee families arrive in Houston through IM.
In the fall of 2021, the United States experienced the greatest influx of refugees in its history when Kabul fell. Thousands of Afghans, many of whom had been working with American troops, fled in fear for their lives. Interfaith Ministries has welcomed and is working with more Afghans than any other local agency.
In the past 30 years, IM Refugee Services has served refugees from over 40 countries.
Refugee Volunteer Opportunities
IM Houston takes pride in serving the diverse refugee community in the Greater Houston area. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities aimed at welcoming and resettling newly arrived refugee families and individuals. Join us and make a difference!
Check out Volunteer Opportunities Here
Role: Serve as a cultural mentor to a refugee family or individual. Activities may include exploring the city, practicing English, and teaching clients about public transportation.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours every week or every other week for approximately 6 months.
Role: Assist a specific client with resume writing, interview techniques, understanding US culture, filling out job applications, and transporting them to job interviews.
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours weekly or bi-weekly, until the client is hired.
Role: Support the ongoing needs of refugee clients and caseworkers with tasks like airport pick-ups, school registrations, and transportation to appointments.
Time Commitment: Requires schedule flexibility, as many activities occur during business hours.
Role: Assist clients with health-related appointments, including transportation, clinic visits, and pharmacy trips. Medical or social work backgrounds and proficiency in languages like Arabic, Farsi/Pashto, and Swahili are beneficial.
Time Commitment: Requires schedule flexibility, as many activities occur during business hours.
Role: Help with special events and projects throughout the year, such as the annual scholarship luncheon, Women’s Empowerment Groups, fundraising luncheons, and storage unit cleanup.
Time Commitment: Varies; some events are during the day, while others are after work hours or on weekends.
Role: Assist with translation for clients, caseworkers, or other volunteers, either in person or by phone. Languages needed include Arabic and Swahili.
Time Commitment: Varies depending on need; includes regular business hours and events/weekends.
Do I need any special skills or training for these opportunities?
You don’t need to speak multiple languages or have previous experience. We ask for patience, flexibility, and reliability. We prefer to partner refugees with volunteers who do not speak their native language to help them practice English.
Where do you need volunteers?
Most refugees are resettled in the Southwest area of Houston. Volunteer opportunities are limited to the refugee’s residence or our IM Houston headquarters at 3303 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
When do you need volunteers?
Volunteer shifts may vary. Refugees who work may need to meet in the evenings or weekends, while others may be available during the day.
Is this opportunity family-friendly?
Individual Refugee Services Volunteers must be 21 years of age. Some opportunities may be appropriate for family participation. Individual interviews are scheduled prior to training and placement.
Can’t commit to volunteering at this time but still want to help?
Consider holding a drive to stay involved! For more information, contact us at volunteerinfo@IMGH.org.
Together, we can make a difference. Join us today!
Check out Volunteer Opportunities Here
Role: Serve as a cultural mentor to a refugee family or individual. Activities may include exploring the city, practicing English, and teaching clients about public transportation.
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours every week or every other week for approximately 6 months.
Role: Assist a specific client with resume writing, interview techniques, understanding US culture, filling out job applications, and transporting them to job interviews.
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours weekly or bi-weekly, until the client is hired.
Role: Support the ongoing needs of refugee clients and caseworkers with tasks like airport pick-ups, school registrations, and transportation to appointments.
Time Commitment: Requires schedule flexibility, as many activities occur during business hours.
Role: Assist clients with health-related appointments, including transportation, clinic visits, and pharmacy trips. Medical or social work backgrounds and proficiency in languages like Arabic, Farsi/Pashto, and Swahili are beneficial.
Time Commitment: Requires schedule flexibility, as many activities occur during business hours.
Role: Help with special events and projects throughout the year, such as the annual scholarship luncheon, Women’s Empowerment Groups, fundraising luncheons, and storage unit cleanup.
Time Commitment: Varies; some events are during the day, while others are after work hours or on weekends.
Role: Assist with translation for clients, caseworkers, or other volunteers, either in person or by phone. Languages needed include Arabic and Swahili.
Time Commitment: Varies depending on need; includes regular business hours and events/weekends.
Do I need any special skills or training for these opportunities? You don’t need to speak multiple languages or have previous experience. We ask for patience, flexibility, and reliability. We prefer to partner refugees with volunteers who do not speak their native language to help them practice English.
Where do you need volunteers?
Most refugees are resettled in the Southwest area of Houston. Volunteer opportunities are limited to the refugee’s residence or our IM Houston headquarters at 3303 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
When do you need volunteers?Volunteer shifts may vary. Refugees who work may need to meet in the evenings or weekends, while others may be available during the day.
Is this opportunity family-friendly? Individual Refugee Services Volunteers must be 21 years of age. Some opportunities may be appropriate for family participation. Individual interviews are scheduled prior to training and placement.
Can’t commit to volunteering at this time but still want to help? Consider holding a drive to stay involved! For more information, contact us at volunteerinfo@IMHouston.org.
Together, we can make a difference.Join us today!
We need your help in making our new refugee neighbors feel at home in Houston! Your financial donation or donation from our Amazon wish list will help furnish an apartment for a refugee family, so that they may start their new life in America!
IM Houston is very grateful for the generous donations we receive. Thank you for your understanding, and thank you for supporting IM Houston.
- Kitchenware
- Housewares
- Cleaning products
- New hygiene products
We need your help in making our new refugee neighbors feel at home in Houston! Your financial donation or donation from our Amazon wish list will help furnish an apartment for a refugee family, so that they may start their new life in America!
IM Houston is very grateful for the generous donations we receive. Thank you for your understanding, and thank you for supporting IM Houston.
- Kitchenware
- Housewares
- Cleaning products
- New hygiene products
