WHO WE ARE
Hello! We are students at the University of North Texas, and our project aims to raise awareness of how to support refugees as they begin new lives in the United States.
WHAT IS THE IRC?
Many refugees come to the United States after being forced to leave their homes because of war or violence. When they arrive, they often struggle to find housing, learn English, and get jobs. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides housing, job training, education, and healthcare. The IRC is regularly recognized by charity watchdog groups for using donations well and making a real difference (IRC, FiR). Some of these ratings include:
- CharityWatch gives the IRC an A.
- Charity Navigator gives the IRC a four-star rating.
- The IRC meets all 20 of BBB Wise Giving Alliance’s accountability standards.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Many people do not realize how large this issue is. Worldwide, over 114 million people have been displaced (UNHCR, 2023). Even after arriving in the United States, many refugees still have trouble getting basic resources (Migration Policy Institute, 2023). Recent cuts in humanitarian funding have made it even harder for organizations to help (International Rescue Committee, 2026).
The 5 Key facts: 2026 Humanitarian crises in numbers:
- There are more armed conflicts happening around the world now than at any time since World War II. Half of these conflicts are in Africa.
- In the first six months of 2024, 1,000 people were killed while trying to get medical care. This is 60 times more than during the same period in 2023.
- Attacks on schools have increased by almost 50 percent.
- There are 239 million people worldwide who need humanitarian assistance.
LINH’S CONNECTION
This cause is personal for our team. One of us is the child of Vietnamese refugees who came to the United States for better opportunities. Because of this, she has had chances her parents never had. Their story is similar to what many refugee families hope for.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
This issue also affects local communities. In cities like Dallas, refugees add value to the workforce and the community as a whole. When refugees get the support they need, everyone benefits.
HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS HELP
The money we raise will support programs for housing, job training, and education. These programs are important for helping refugees become independent.
Examples of what your gift can provide (IRC) :
- $35- Emergency food for a child
- $50- Baby kits for 2 mothers
- $100- Ongoing shelter for 7 families
- $250- A year of school for 4 children
- $500- An equipped mobile medical clinic
TO LEARN MORE OR GET INVOLVED:
INSTAGRAM:
-----
REFERENCES
- International Rescue Committee. (n.d.). What we do. https://www.rescue.org
- International Rescue Committee. Monthly Donor.
- https://www.rescue.org/become-irc-monthly-donor
- International Rescue Committee. Watchlist. https://www.rescue.org/watchlist
- International Rescue Committee. Financial information and ratings. https://www.rescue.org/financial-information#:~:text=Efficiency%20and%20results&text=Charity%20Navigator%20gives%20the%20IRC,Wise%20Giving%20Alliance
- International Rescue Committee. (2026a, February 10). Innovation vs cuts: Humanitarian aid in 2026. https://www.rescue.org/article/innovation-vs-cuts-humanitarian-aid-2026
- Migration Policy Institute. (2023). Refugee integration in the United States. https://www.migrationpolicy.org
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2023). Global trends: Forced displacement in 2023. https://www.unhcr.org
TEAM MEMBERS
- Ricky Hernandez
- Linh Pham
- Aysia Proctor
- Courtney Stutes
Organizer
International Rescue Committee
Beneficiary