How to Help Migrants in Riverside, CA

In the wake of a pivotal election where immigration was a major focus, HMI reaffirms its commitment to supporting those in need, regardless of the political climate. We’re here to welcome and uplift those seeking safety, opportunity, and a fresh start in the United States. Here’s why your support matters and how you can make a difference…

Why Should I Help Migrants and Refugees Coming to the United States?

At HMI, we work with refugees and migrants from around the world, including many from Afghanistan, Guatemala, and Venezuela. People from these communities often flee violence or conflict, leaving behind their homes and loved ones in search of safety. For some, it’s about survival; for others, it’s about accessing opportunities they simply don’t have in their home countries.

The people we serve come to the United States through legal channels. Typically, their journey begins with registering with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which evaluates their need for protection and often recommends resettlement in a safe country. This process includes extensive background checks, interviews, and medical screenings, ensuring that only those who meet stringent criteria are admitted.

More Than Just a “Refugee”

The words “refugee,” “migrant,” and “asylum seeker” reflect just one part of each person’s story. These individuals are teachers, artists, doctors, parents, and neighbors—individuals with unique identities, talents, and dreams. They are more than the circumstances that forced them to leave their homes.

Most refugees initially seek safety close to home, and those who come here do so only because it’s necessary. When we refer to people by these labels, it’s important to remember that they are multi-faceted individuals, just like each of us, with much to offer our community.

How You Can Help Refugees in Riverside

There are many ways to get involved and help refugees build safe, fulfilling lives here in Riverside:

1. Volunteer

Riverside County is recognized as a “refugee-impacted” area, meaning refugees are arriving here and need support in adjusting to life in a new country. You can make a direct impact through hands-on help, whether it’s offering a ride to a doctor’s appointment, assisting with English practice, or providing other kinds of practical support. Your time and kindness make a huge difference in helping refugees become self-sufficient.

2. Sponsor a Refugee

In 2023, the Welcome Corps launched a program allowing Americans to sponsor refugees, offering financial support, orientation to the community, social bonding, and more. Sponsoring is an incredible way to make a meaningful, lasting impact on a family’s journey to stability and success. Learn more at WelcomeCorps.org

3. Donate

If volunteering or sponsoring isn’t possible right now, consider donating to support our work. Every dollar helps fund essential services for newcomers, from housing assistance to job training. At HMI, our staff are dedicated to not only fulfilling their professional duties but also genuinely caring for the families they support. Your contribution helps us continue this vital work.

4. Stay Informed

Stay up-to-date on policies and proposals affecting refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers. Sign up for our newsletter to receive important updates and ways to get involved. Knowledge is power, and being informed helps you advocate effectively.

As we face times of change and uncertainty, the need for compassion and community has never been greater. By extending a hand to those seeking refuge, we not only transform their lives but enrich our own communities with their resilience, skills, and stories. Whether you choose to volunteer, sponsor, donate, or simply stay informed, every action you take sends a powerful message: that Riverside, CA, is a place where all are welcome, and hope finds a home.

Together, let’s build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Join us in standing with refugees and newcomers, because when we uplift one another, we all rise. Thank you for being part of this journey toward a more inclusive and compassionate world.