Ithaca Welcomes Refugees

Ithaca Welcomes Refugees walks alongside refugees and immigrants resettling in Tompkins County, New York. Whether finding a place to live, enrolling in English classes, or rebuilding community, we help newcomers navigate unfamiliar systems and environments, providing needed support.

Current Needs

Donate items for refugees who have arrived in our community
See what's on the list

Volunteer

Assist our refugee partners in their resettlement journeys
Join the volunteer team

Donate

Make a gift to support IWR's programs
Make a donation

News & Updates

Ithaca Welcomes Refugees - 2025 Annual Report

In 2025 we supported 13 households move into stable accommodation. Provided $60,890 in housing aid to recent arrivals, and supported 24 families and 22 individuals through our Response Projects. Learn more about our 10th year at ithacawelcomesrefugees.org/annual-report

Seeking translators for Spanish & Pashto

IWR holds new volunteer orientation sessions 2-3 times per year. If you are interested in volunteering, please peruse the roles at ithacawelcomesrefugees.org/volunteer. We are especially seeking fluent speakers in Spanish or Pashto to support with translation needs in our Response Project Teams.

Requesting Gently Worn Jewelry for Fall Fundraiser

All the jewelry sold at the sale is gently used and donated by people like you. EVERYONE has jewelry, old coins, school rings, broken jewelry or single earrings they don’t wear anymore or inherited and never used! In light of the new administration, Ithaca Welcomes Refugees is in need of our support more than ever! This is the 11th year we have organized jewelry sales to benefit local or national non-profit organizations.  The sale will be held November 21,2026 at the First Baptist Church. To organize, drop off or pickup of donated jewelry, please call Debbie at 607 279-7174 (Dpbenzer@twcny.rr.com) or Yvonne 607-592-2799. Thank you all in advance!!! 

Featured Story

A Poetry of Care: How Khadija is Healing and Creating

For Khadija, poetry is a means of transforming pain into beauty. Resettling in Ithaca after fleeing the Taliban, she tells us her story.

Community Gathers for Love of Soccer and to Support IWR
Find out how to donate gently used jewelry for the Fall Jewelry Sale Fundraiser in aid of IWR.

Key Sponsors

We are grateful to the following organizations currently supporting our programs through grants and sponsorships. 

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