Donations & Contributions

Refugee and Immigration Services (RIS Va.) depends heavily upon donations to set up and furnish housing, pay rent deposits, utilities, and feed refugee families on an average of $1,700 per family in the Greater Richmond, Hampton Roads, and Roanoke Valley, Virginia areas.

Refugees arrive with little beyond the clothes on their backs. Refugee and Immigration Services is responsible for renting an apartment, turning on the utilities, furnishing sleeping quarters, a living room and kitchen, stocking the fridge and cabinets, buying clothes and toiletries, and meeting basic needs until a job is found. We receive a one time payment of $425 per refugee to accomplish all this. With deposits to pay and the first month's rent, the money runs out before the family arrives.

If there is a health problem or a job slowdown (such as we now are encountering), the rent is still due. Donations are needed to provide essentials to refugees in these circumstances.

Catholic Diocese of Richmond

Funds are also needed to support immigration counseling services. Refugee and Immigration Services is committed to providing affordable, competent legal advice to all needing assistance. Many cannot afford to pay agency fees for these professional services. Staff must be paid.

In order to accomplish our objectives, Refugee and Immigration Services depends on the generous support of individuals, organizations and businesses. We hope that you will choose to become a part of the successful work of Refugee and Immigration Services.

Here Is How You Can Help

Refugee and Immigration Services requests your support to enable us to continue our work. Please consider us for your giving. All contributions are tax deductible. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

• Donate new and used furniture and household items.
  Click here for more information on furniture and household items donations.
• Donate a driveable automobile or motor vehicle that will pass inspection so that a refugee can drive to work.
  To request a vehicle pickup:
• In Richmond, please contact Jane Mendenhall at 804-355-4559 Ext. 20 or email her at: .
• Make a much needed cash donation. Refugee and Immigration Services counts on cash donations to maintain our facilities, build our programs, support staff, and respond to the needs of our clients. Your donation is tax-deductible, and is always appreciated.

• Please print this

  and mail your cash contribution to our main office at:

  Refugee and Immigration Services
  1512 Willow Lawn Drive, 1st Floor Suite A
  Richmond, VA 23230