In Phoenix, Ariz., loading donated furniture for the apartment of a soon-to-arrive refugee family.
Photo: LSS-SW
Volunteer your time and make new friends
- Set up an apartment
Gather and store furniture and household items and set up the family’s apartment the week or weekend before they arrive in the United States. - Welcome a family home
Cook the family a culturally appropriate and familiar meal for their day of arrival.
Greet the family at the airport.
Welcome them to their new home! - Transport
Transport refugees to appointments – doctors’ appointments, job interviews, ESL classes, etc. - Teach
Tutor children, practice conversational English or help teach English as a Second Language (ESL). - Mentor
Befriend a refugee or refugee family. - Orient
Provide cultural orientation or explore the city together.
Hold a donations drive
- Organize a donation drive for furniture, household goods, personal care supplies, etc. Host an event or a party at your church, home or office.
- Collect furniture and household items to setup an apartment
Small sofas (a first home is often a small apartment)
New mattresses and new or used frames – full or twin size
Dressers
Tables and chairs
Lamps
Rice cookers
Alarm clocks
Landline telephones
Pots/pans - Welcome Kits
Toiletry Kit
Cleaning Kit
Housewarming Kit
Back-to-School Backpacks - Collect personal items
New underwear and socks for men, women and children
Health and hygiene products
Interview-ready clothing for men and women
Contact your local CWS office or affiliate, write irp@churchworldservice.org or call CWS at 212-870-3300 to get started!
