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Interfaith Ministries for Greater 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 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 Interfaith Ministries.

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.

If you would like to make a monetary donation to support our refugees, please click here. If you would like to conduct a donation drive or make an individual donation, view our wish list for items needed to help make a new home for refugees.

In the past 30 years, Interfaith Ministries’ Refugee Services has served refugees from over 30 countries.

IM provides the following services to newly arrived refugees:

Housing

Interfaith Ministries provides refugees with housing when they first arrive. Consider hosting a donation drive for household items, please check our wish list for the items in demand.

English Classes

ESL classes are provided through a partnership with the Bilingual Education Institute (BEI). As a family or employment mentor you can help the refugee family by practicing English them each time you interact with them.

Cultural Orientation

Moving across the world to a new culture can be a shock for refugees. Interfaith Ministries helps refugees acclimate to their new life in Houston. Consider serving as a family mentor to a refugee family to help them acclimate to their new life in Houston. To learn more about RS volunteer opportunities, Click Here.

Job Placement

It’s important that refugees become self-sufficient and productive Houstonians. Interfaith Ministries helps refugees find employment and take part in the American Dream. If you would like to help provide employment to refugees, please use the form. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Meza, Employment Coordinator at [email protected]

School Enrollment

Interfaith Ministries helps children enroll in school so that they can continue their education. Consider holding a school supply donation drive, for more information please contact the RS Community Engagement Team at: [email protected]

Get Involved!

Get your house of worship or community organization to sponsor a family. Follow each step of the resettlement process, from picking them up at the airport to celebrating their completion of the program. A six-month commitment.
For more information, contact Praveena Lakshmanan [email protected]

Collect basic house wares, school supplies, or other items for newly arrived families. Individual donations may be dropped off at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. Pick-ups are available for some items. See our wish list.

If you would like to Host a Drive, please click here for materials to help you with your drive.

IM helps refugees from around the world become productive citizens. You can help by providing a job to a refugee or give networking advice. Refugees come to the United States with various professions and skills and are looking to work hard for the American Dream.

Give refugees what they want most — the chance to secure a good job. For more information contact Ali Al Sudani.

The goal of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston Refugee Services Program is the successful resettlement of newly arrived refugees into the greater Houston area. Available volunteer opportunities include:

  • Family/Client Mentor
  • Employment Mentor
  • Case Management Volunteer
  • Administrative Volunteer
  • Medical Case Management Volunteer
  • Special Events and Programs Volunteer
  • Translators

If you would like to volunteer with Refugee Services, email us at [email protected]

Who is considered a refugee?
Refugees are individuals who have fled their country due to persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a certain social group. A refugee is approved and processed outside of the US and enters with permission to stay.

What is the difference between a refugee, an asylee, and an immigrant?
Like a refugee, an asylee also flees persecution. However, an asylee enters the US first and then requests permission to stay by applying for asylum. An immigrant chooses to leave his or her country for economic or family reasons.

What is the breakdown of the refugee population?
Currently there are an estimated 13 to 15 million refugees throughout the world, with women and children being the majority.

What is the Matching Grant program?
The Matching Grant program is an alternative approach to welfare. Funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), the Matching Grant program provides resettlement assistance to refugees administered locally through voluntary agencies. The goal of Match Grant is to help refugees achieve self-sufficiency within four months of their arrival without accessing public cash assistance.

What can I do to help refugees resettling in Houston?
IM relies on individuals and groups to assist with welcoming tasks. For more information on how you can help, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Who should I contact for more information?
Dario Lipovac, Director, Refugee Services: [email protected]