Community Sponsorship

Co-Sponsorship

A shared commitment between a resettlement agency and a community group to support a refugee family as they are resettled, become self-sufficient, and thrive. The resettlement agencies provide core reception and placement services, and co-sponsorship groups support the integration of refugees according to their assigned responsibilities. 

Resources

Private Sponsorship

A distinct difference between private sponsorship and co-sponsorship is that private sponsorship does not involve partnering with local resettlement agencies. Private Sponsorship Organizations assist with training, resources and support throughout the sponsorship period. 

Uniting for Ukraine, Processes for CHNV, Sponsor Circles

Resources

Welcome Corps

  • In January 2023, the U.S. Department of State, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, launched the Welcome Corps, a program that empowers everyday Americans to welcome refugees arriving through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). 

  • Working in groups of at least five individuals, Private Sponsorship Groups come together as a community to collectively support refugees’ resettlement and integration as they build new lives. Private Sponsorship Groups are trained and monitored by Private Sponsorship Organizations so there is guidance every step of the way.  

  • In addition to providing core sponsorship services, sponsors connect refugee newcomers directly to their communities, help them build a social network, become self-sufficient, and gain a stronger sense of belonging. 

  • Please note: The Welcome Corps does not speed up processing for refugees awaiting resettlement in the U.S. Beware of scams by anyone who claims otherwise or asks for money to expedite processing. 

For Refugees

For Private Sponsorship Organizations

For Private Sponsorship Groups

Welcome Corps on Campus

  • Welcome Corps on Campus is a program of the U.S. Department of State that links higher education to U.S. resettlement and a pathway to U.S. citizenship.  

  • Campus communities form Private Sponsorship Groups comprised of staff, students and community members to sponsor refugee students.  

  • Private Sponsorship Groups help refugee students enroll in classes, provide academic support, and help them adjust to campus life.  

  • Private Sponsorship Groups do not have to go through the sponsorship process alone and receive training and ongoing support from Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), the designated Private Sponsorship Organization. 

Resources

Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR)

  • Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR) operates in two capacities: as the Private Sponsorship Organization for Welcome Corps on Campus and as their own sponsorship program. 

  • As the Private Sponsorship Organization for Welcome Corps on Campus, ECAR provides continuous support and training to the Private Sponsorship Groups.  

  • Through ECAR’s separate sponsorship program, a college campus can sponsor refugee families and get paired with a local resettlement agency. Currently, there are over 18 campuses participating in the program and have special ECAR Campus status. 

  • The local resettlement agencies are responsible for the refugee family’s resettlement process and will provide the necessary services for resettlement. The campus’s main roles are housing the refugee family for at least their first 90 days in the U.S., providing support, and educating them about their new community.  

Resources

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