Support for Refugees
Services
Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more. ~ Pope Francis
Caring for our Refugee Brothers and Sisters
Catholic Charities has a rich history of caring for our refugee neighbors who now call Iowa their home. We understand the road they took to arrive here was not a simple one. Our goal is to provide support to refugees and their families by connecting them with community resources that lead them to self-sufficiency.
Community Resource Coordination
To better serve our community, Catholic Charities has created Community Resource Coordination to help clients navigate local systems of support by connecting them to housing, employment, healthcare, public transportation, and other essential services that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Our community resource coordinator will assess each client’s needs and provide referrals to local resources and service providers.
Calling All Employers!
We have employable clients ready and anxious to work for local employers with entry-level openings. Our refugee clients are:
- Fully-vetted and documented by the State Department
- Ready to work and anxious to learn
- Not native English speakers, but equipped with communication tools
- Hard working and dedicated
If you or your place of employment can benefit from a strong workforce, give us a call! 515-244-3761.
History of Support
Catholic Charities Refugee Services was established in 1945 following World War II when the USCCB took action to assist homeless and displaced people. From 1975 – 1996 the program focused primarily on resettling Southeast Asian refugees. During this period of resettlement, former Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray championed the legislative and humanitarian efforts. Starting in 1995, Catholic Charities’ Refugee Services worked collaboratively with Lutheran Social Services (currently known as Lutheran Services in Iowa or LSI) to assist refugees coming to Des Moines. In 2010, Catholic Charities began independently resettling refugees. For 50 years we have proudly served a pivotal role in resettling thousands of refugees here in Iowa. This work is at the heart of several of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which guide our mission to Empower Individuals and Strengthen Families.
In January 2025, Presidential Executive Orders stopped incoming refugees from entering the United States. Catholic Charities continued to provide services to our refugee clients in our 90-day Reception and Placement program, as outlined in the agreement with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Catholic Charities has yet to receive government funding reimbursements for services provided since the beginning of 2025. In April 2025, USCCB officially terminated their contract with the federal government, effectively eliminating any future plans of reviving a public-private partnership. Due to the lack of federal funding, Catholic Charities no longer has the resources to be able to provide individualized care and financial assistance previously offered under the government-funded program. The ending of this successful public-private partnership that has enhanced the diversity, grown the economy and increased the vibrancy of our communities was an incredibly difficult decision to have to make, but it was mission-guided and donor-centric.
We remain focused on providing the most robust care possible for the vulnerable communities that we serve, including our refugee neighbors. With the creation of our new Community Resource Coordination program, we will help the marginalized among us navigate their way to the support they need and deserve within their community. The main goal of our Community Resource Coordinator is to promote individual and family stability and self-sufficiency by assessing client needs, making referrals to community resources, and fostering connections with service providers.
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group.
How to Volunteer
Volunteers and donors are a key part of helping us support our refugee clients. Individuals, groups and families can volunteer one time or repeatedly.
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