All it takes is a group of five and the commitment to make a difference.

In January of 2023, the State Department launched Welcome Corps, a public-private partnership that empowers groups of at least five American citizens or permanent legal residents to sponsor and resettle refugees.

Welcome Corps utilizes the goodwill of volunteers across the US to expand our nation’ capacity to holistically welcome refugees.

How To Become A Welcomer

Each Private Sponsor Group (PSG) consists of at least five Americans or permanent legal residents who will commit to providing wrap-around resettlement services for the first 90 days of a refugee’s resettlement. Once a PSG has decided on their core members, the group coordinator will fill out an online application. Then, with the support of Hearts & Homes for Refugees, PSGs will work to secure housing, find employment, orient refugees to their new community, and so much more.

For a full over the Sponsorship Duties, visit the Welcome Corps site here.

Not only will you change a life, yours will change too.

    • Sponsor groups prepare to cover expenses for the 90-day sponsorship period at a minimum of $2,425 per refugee.

    • Now through August 31, grants are available to lower financial barriers and cover 100% of the initial financial requirements for sponsor groups applying to be matched with a refugee or family they do not already know.

    • View the Fundraising Guide to calculate expected costs and plan fundraising. 

    • HHR advises you on how to fundraise in your community. 

    • Review the Sponsorship Duties 

    • Plan your estimated costs for the 90 days of support

    • Research how to access public benefits and health care in your community 

*If you are interested specifically in Welcome Corps, please indicate so in the volunteer notes.

Got questions? Need Help?

Email grace@heartsandhomesforrefugees.org with the subject

“Welcome Corps.”