The Chicago Refugee Coalition (CRC) believes that successful integration requires a united community effort to address the broad range of needs that refugees face. By partnering with specialized organizations and establishing referral networks, CRC ensures that refugees receive high-quality assistance without undue financial burden. This coalition-based approach fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for refugees and asylees in the Chicagoland area and promotes collaboration within the community to meet these needs effectively.

CRC is 100% privately funded through private contributions, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants. Private funding enables us to remain flexible, responsive, and innovative in addressing the evolving needs of Chicago’s refugee community. Unlike some federally funded resettlement programs, private funding allows CRC to support refugees beyond the initial resettlement period and focus on building long-term programs that enhance economic mobility, social integration, and overall well-being. We deeply appreciate the generosity of our supporters, whose contributions make our work possible.

CRC is dedicated to supporting the ongoing welfare of refugees who have already completed the initial resettlement process. Our services focus on enhancing their journey post-resettlement, addressing needs that arise after government-provided assistance concludes. Presently, CRC does not directly serve newly arrived immigrants or asylum seekers.

CRC takes a coalition-style approach to identifying families in need. We work with community partners, receive referrals from local organizations, and maintain open channels for direct contact. Since CRC is not a resettlement agency funded by the U.S. Department of State, it does not handle pre-arrival procedures or select individuals from overseas. Instead, we focus on supporting refugees and families who are already part of the community and in need of ongoing assistance and resources.

No, refugees are not “illegal.” Refugees are individuals who have been granted legal status by the U.S. government based on verified claims of persecution in their home countries. They arrive in the United States with official documentation and legal protections, which distinguish them from individuals who may lack status or legal permission to be in the country. CRC proudly serves refugees who have been granted this status and works to ensure they have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Our focus is on providing transitional assistance to refugees who have already arrived in the United States. Through community needs assessments, CRC has identified critical issues related to promoting economic independence, social integration, and upward mobility for refugees in the Chicago area. While we do not currently offer overseas support, CRC remains committed to helping refugees achieve stability and thrive in their new communities here in the U.S.

CRC provides an array of services aimed at addressing critical gaps in support for refugees who have completed their initial 90-day government assistance period. Our services include:

• Food Security: Through partnerships with organizations like Imperfect Produce, CRC addresses food scarcity by providing nutritious meals to refugees. Our food distribution program has provided over 100,000 meals, supporting refugee families while reducing food waste in the community.

• Clothing and Essentials: CRC’s Resource Center, located at Sullivan High School, is dedicated to providing essential items, such as clothing and shoes. Through partnerships with companies like Bombas, CRC distributes over 10,000 pairs of socks annually to refugees, ensuring that they have access to basic necessities.

• Financial Literacy Training: CRC offers financial literacy workshops, sponsored by Citi Bank, to help refugees gain essential financial skills, from budgeting to understanding credit, aimed at promoting financial independence.

• Childcare: The Chicago Refugee Coalition is launching a first-of-its-kind refugee childcare center called Little Harbor Academy. This program is launching in mid-2025 and is expected to enroll 72 children. The goal of this program is to provide a robust basis of support for young learners while ensuring that their parents have the time and capacity to advance their personal, professional and academic goals. 

• Online Learning and Public Education: CRC offers online courses such as “CRC 103: Beyond Borders,” an 8-week course on forced migration, designed to raise awareness and educate the public about global refugee issues. These courses are available on a donation basis, making them accessible to a wide audience.

• Resource Center: Launching in late spring 2025, CRC’s Resource Center will offer vital resources for refugees, available both through in-person visits and online orders. This center provides an accessible, quick, and convenient way for refugees to obtain essential items, such as food, hygiene products, and household goods.

CRC’s holistic approach and strong partnerships allow us to address the diverse and evolving needs of refugees beyond the initial resettlement period.

Yes, CRC is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 83-0977387), making all contributions tax-deductible. Regardless of the contribution amount, online donations receive a digital receipt within 24 hours of deposit, serving as a record for tax filings. Additionally, paper acknowledgments are sent at the end of each calendar year. CRC’s commitment to transparency ensures that all donations are used to further our mission of supporting refugees and building a more inclusive community.

CRC is a secular and non-partisan organization. While we collaborate with a variety of interfaith groups and support refugees from diverse religious backgrounds, CRC remains unaffiliated with any religious institution. We also maintain a non-partisan stance and do not endorse any political candidates or campaigns, focusing solely on the mission of refugee support and advocacy.

There are many ways for individuals to support CRC’s mission:

• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are integral to our operations, helping with food distribution, clothing drives, resource center management, and educational events.

• Donate: Financial contributions are essential to sustaining and expanding CRC’s services. Donations go directly towards funding our programs and ensuring that refugees have access to the support they need.

• Participate in Educational Programs: CRC’s online courses and public education initiatives are designed to deepen understanding of refugee issues. By enrolling in these courses, supporters can gain valuable insights and become advocates for refugees in their own communities.

• Corporate Partnerships: Local businesses and corporations can get involved by partnering with CRC to support specific programs, such as food distribution, financial literacy training, and employment assistance. Corporate sponsorships play a crucial role in helping us expand our impact.

For more information on getting involved, contact us directly.