Program Statistics

• In 2010, more than 50 faith-based organizations were involved with RRISA to support families.
   
• RRISA sponsored families with the help of many diverse organizations including Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith-based communities.
   
• Each year over 1,200 Atlanta community members volunteer with RRISA.
   
• Donations of goods, volunteer time, mileage, and services are often doubled through a federal matching program.

How to Get Involved

Refugee Resettlement
& Immigration Services of Atlanta

Faith Community Co-Sponsorship,
The Gift of Hospitality

The Faith Community has always been at the forefront of serving marginalized populations. Many refugees have fled their home countries with little or no chance to take their belongings. The decision to flee is often made quickly and under the threat of death. A family of five may arrive with one suitcase. They are starting anew.

RRISA works together with the faith community of Atlanta to welcome them to their new home. Co-sponsorship creates new ways to energize a congregation while at the same time making a difference in the lives of a family starting over again.

RRISA works in partnership with community organizations to provide refugee families with a firm footing upon arrival. RRISA trains groups on the resettlement process, cultural considerations, and how to assist with a family’s adjustment to life in the United States. Co-sponsoring a family is a transforming process that brings groups together and helps us all create a better community. Here is how your organization can get involved:

A co-sponsor first assembles a hospitality team of 25-30 helpers for 7 tasks:

1. Collect $2,500-$4,000 for 3 to 4 months of critical services and basic needs support such as rent and utilities.
2. Collect food and apartment furnishings.
3. Set up an apartment.
4. Meet the family at the airport and transport them to their apartment. Include a warm meal upon arrival.
5. Provide access to clothing (clothing closets at RRISA, Goodwill, etc.) and necessities as needed.
6. Provide transportation as needed and orientation to MARTA for health appointments, job interviews, grocery shopping, worship, area sightseeing.
7. Provide loving support to nurture the family for the initial 3 to 4 months of adjustment, then allow the family to fly on their own.