Des Moines, IA

Refugees are people fleeing violence and persecution—in Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Myanmar, Ukraine and other countries in crisis. They are seeking safety and the chance to move their lives forward.

The United States has a long tradition of sheltering those fleeing conflict and persecution. Iowa itself has a rich history of welcoming refugees, beginning with Governor Robert Ray welcoming Tai Dam refugees in the 1970's. Once refugees have been identified by the United Nations refugee agency and cleared for resettlement, the U.S. government works with the IRC and eight other national resettlement agencies to help them restart their lives in America. Out of the 25 million refugees in the world, fewer than 1 percent are considered for resettlement worldwide.

Refugees may be placed in a city where they have relatives or friends, or where there’s an established community that shares their language or culture. Other considerations include the cost of living and a community’s ability to provide medical services. However, as legal U.S. residents, refugees may live in any city and state they choose. With its low cost of living, ample job opportunities, and welcoming history, Iowa is an excellent place for refugees to start their new lives. 

IRC’s staff, volunteers and community partners work together to empower refugees to restore their dignity and self-reliance and participate in their new communities. 

Our Programs:

• Reception and Placement: Meeting critical needs in the early months after arriving in the United States.  IRC staff and community partners ensure newly arrived refugees are greeted at the airport; have a furnished home; receive time-limited rental assistance; have access to nutritious food, healthcare and education; and are given appropriate social services referrals.
• Employment Services: Early self-sufficiency through employment is the foundation of the US Refugee Program.  IRC staff and volunteers provide job readiness training, vocational counseling, resume preparation, job search and placement services, and financial assistance for basic needs with the goal of helping refugees find their first job in America.  Employment services are provided to refugees for up to five years from their date of arrival.
• Intensive Case Management: Some refugees face barriers that make rapid employment difficult.  Others face cultural barriers that require additional training and orientation support to learn to navigate American systems independently.  Still others face crisis after an initial period of stability.  For those refugees, IRC provides intensive case management services for up to five years after arrival.
• Financial Coaching: Financial Coaching at IRC offers new Americans and other vulnerable populations an opportunity to build their financial knowledge, skills, and assets. Through a combination of one-on-one coaching and financial education classes, IRC delivers innovative, effective programs by combining evidence-based strategies with an unparalleled ability to deliver culturally and linguistically accessible programs. As a result of these programs, people are able to build their family income and assets, contributing to the economic vibrancy of communities across America.

IRC Iowa is able to offer Financial Coaching one-on-one sessions and classes to anyone who walks through our doors. For inquiries, email [email protected].

We are looking to expand our office further to serve more populations, check back for updates!

Donate Money: Money raised in Iowa stays in Iowa. Local donations allow IRC to meet emergency needs of clients and support our programs in many ways. To donate, click here.

Fundraise for the IRC in Des Moines: Create your own DIY peer fundraiser here to engage and involve your community with raising funds for the IRC in Iowa. You can also use the "Team Fundraiser" feature to fundraise as a team! Contact [email protected] to get started!

Become a Volunteer or Intern: Volunteers and interns support all facets of our work! Community volunteers and interns make the difference between a refugee transitioning from surviving to thriving with the skills and knowledge to be a full participant in their new community. To become a volunteer or intern with IRC Des Moines, go to rescue.org/volunteer, and select Des Moines. You can search our different volunteer and internship options and then apply at https://irc-global.my.salesforce-sites.com/volunteer. 

Donate New or Gently Used Items: From gently used furniture and household goods to set-up apartments to old computers, bikes or TVs, the IRC seeks to provide refugees with items that will help them get restarted here in the US. Please select items from our 4 Amazon Wishlists or inquire about putting together a Welcome Kit at [email protected].

Hold a Donation Drive:  Help IRC meet critical needs of refugees by gathering together the new and gently used items from your friends, relatives, or community group. Contact [email protected] to begin. 

Other Ways to Get Involved:  hire a refugee, rent a house to a refugee family,  and check back on our website often for other ways to make a difference!

Once they acclimate to their new environment, refugees often thrive and contribute to their communities, building careers, purchasing homes, starting businesses and gaining citizenship. Check out refugee-owned business in Des Moines like Chu Chu Donuts, or MinGaLaBar Kitchen, a Burmese restaurant, and others we will highlight regularly!