Organizations and Governmental Departments Focused on Assisting Refugees and Immigrants
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI Albany Office) is the primary refugee resettlement agency in the Capital Region. The USCRI team prepares new homes for newcomers whose lives have been interrupted by war, political unrest, or violence. They help people get back on their feet and build self-reliance in a new country by connecting them to essentials like jobs, education, and health care. For more information, call (518) 459-1790. Volunteer with USCRI: If you wish to volunteer for USCRI, please complete the email form on the homepage here.
New York State Office for New Americans (ONA)created in 2012, provides a variety of free support services to all immigrants and refugees in New York State, regardless of status. Through its first in the nation state-wide network of community-based immigrant service providers, ONA assists new Americans with naturalization support, community workshops, workforce development programs, access to developmental disabilities resources, English language learning, mental health, and legal services. To access any of ONA’s programs, call the toll-free, multilingual, confidential New Americans Hotline (1-800-566-7636) or visit their website for a list of local providers.
Capital Region Refugee Roundtable is a network of volunteers and representatives from Capital Region community-based organizations and government agencies, working together to improve and expand support systems that will assist refugees in the Capital Region of New York State.
Specifically, the Refugee Roundtable:
Provides a forum for information-sharing for volunteers and organizations supporting refugees.
Helps problem-solve issues and barriers faced by refugees.
Advocates for funding and other supports.
Conducts events that highlight refugees and their contribution to life in the Capital Region.
For more information and/or to join the Roundtable email mailing list, contact Co-Chair Dahlia Herring at [email protected].
Refugee Welcome Corporation (RWC) The RWC is a community-based organization that assists refugees in the West Hill neighborhood of Albany. RWC converts abandoned and vacant buildings into affordable housing and safe housing for refugees and immigrants. Through its community center, RWC provides a range of family services including adult English language classes, tutoring for school students, and community events. For more information call (518) 603-7608 or contact RWC.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Bureau of Refugee Services provides assistance to refugees and their families in achieving economic and social self-sufficiency, helps repatriated citizens arrive safely at home, provides assistance to victims of human trafficking and assures proper foster care for unaccompanied refugee and entrant minors. For more detailed information on BRS programs and providers visit their website, follow NYS OTDA on Facebook, call (518) 402-3096 or e-mail [email protected].
Albany School District – ENL and Refugee Services Department The Albany School District has a strong commitment to the refugee and immigrant students who now make up over 10 percent of the District’s K-12 school population. The ENL (teaching English as a New Language) and Refugee Services Department works closely with USCRI and others to ensure that refugee and immigrant students receive the support they need to succeed in school. For more information, contact the ENL and Refugee Services Dept. at (518) 475-6147.
New York State Migrant Education Program was established in 1975 to help school districts in New York State meet the unique needs of migrant children. Migrant program staff provide academic support including one-on-one tutoring, small group instruction, home based academic assistance, and ESL services.
New York State Department of Labor, Division of Immigrant Policies and Affairs (DIPA) addresses the needs, issues, and challenges of immigrants by providing outreach in immigrant communities. Their protections, services, and programs are available to everyone, including people with limited English proficiency. DIPA teaches immigrant communities about their workplace rights, and the agency's services and programs. For more information, call 1-877-466-9757 or e-mail: [email protected].
Albany County Regional Immigration Assistance III (RIAC 3) Serving 14 counties, we are dedicated to improving the legal representation of indigent noncitizens by equipping the attorneys assigned to representing these clients with expert advice and defense strategies. We are also able to provide basic immigration advice and information to immigrants and their families. For more information, call (518) 447-4890 or call the helpline at 1-833-373-2677.
The Legal Project – Immigration Program The Legal Project in Albany, NY, Immigration Program assists eligible immigrants and refugees with their legal questions through free one-on-one consultations with an immigration attorney. For more information and/or to set up an appointment call (518) 435-1770.
Prisoners’ Legal Services (PLS) The Immigration Program of PLS is a “Rapid Response Partner” with NYS Office for New Americans. This program provides free legal assistance and representation to any immigrant in NYS, regardless of status, including those facing deportation. For assistance call the Prisoners’ Legal Services, Immigration Program at (518) 694-8699 ext. 2921.