How Does Community Sponsorship Work?

Organizing a Team

Volunteers, communities, civic associations, faith and interfaith groups are key to successful Community Sponsorship (CS). Volunteers bring a wide range of skills, experiences and their own networks to find and furnish housing, help refugees land their first job, or adapt to school. Teams include internal oversight — volunteer coordinators, fundraising, finances and communications.

Hearts & Homes for Refugees assists cohorts in various ways. HHR staff meet regularly with each cohort’s core team members to provide support and experience, best practices and problem-solving. From fundraising to logistics to connecting new and experienced volunteers, Hearts & Homes is a valuable partner to volunteer teams.

CS Committees

    • Find affordable housing in accessible neighborhoods

    • Connect utilities and wi-fi/internet

    • Help with any landlord issues during the first 6-12 months 

    • Clean, stage, and transport required furnishings, including a culturally appropriate pantry

    • Provide initial clothing and weather-appropriate needs

    • Assist with meeting “growing” needs (diapers, new shoes, etc.)

    • Arrange thrift store visits or other occasional clothes shopping as needed

    • Prepare HHR Welcome Book

    • Teach family about living in the US

      • Grocery shopping, banking, garbage collection, etc.

      • Public transportation

      • Hygiene and dress

    • Enroll children in school

    • Liaison with schools to obtain needed support and provide advocacy

    • Arrange after school and childcare programming

    • Identify potential employment opportunities

    • Assist in resume, application and interview preparation

    • Register adults for ESOL classes

    • Provide supplemental ESOL support (e.g. tutoring, conversation partners)

    • Identify adult education opportunities (GED, higher education, technical training)

    • Assist in setting up bank accounts, building credit and filing taxes

    • Help apply and follow-up on services such as:

      • Social Security cards

      • SNAP

      • NYS IDs

    • Orient family to healthcare system and navigating Medicaid

    • Identify healthcare providers in area/network

    • Schedule and bring families to first appointments

      • Help schedule future appointment and arrange transportation

    • Manage medical and/or emergency issues

    • Identify list of drivers willing to drive families

    • Alert drivers of transportation needs

    • Serve as a liaison between drivers and families

  • Volunteer Coordination

    • Recruit volunteers

    • Keep track of volunteer hours

    • Manage volunteer assignments

    Group Fundraising & Finances

    • Develop and execute fundraising efforts to support resettled family

Note: Each resettlement case has different needs, so not every committee may be relevant.

Become a Community Sponsor!

If you live in the Lower Hudson Valley and are interested in creating or joining a Community Sponsorship team, please complete this form.

Click here if you are interested in other ways to get involved.

If you live elsewhere, please check our Welcome Corps page for national opportunities.

For any questions about becoming a community sponsor, contact us at hello@heartsandhomesforrefugees.org.