Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services

Volunteer
RAIS works with volunteers from the community, college interns and practicum students, and groups looking to do special volunteer projects. Learn more about volunteering with RAIS.

Donate
When new arrivals come to the U.S., they are often bringing very few belongings. RAIS relies on the support of donors to provide new and gently used items to families to help them establish their new lives in the U.S.

Some of our most commonly needed items are:
Beds and bedding
Couches
Tables and chairs
Dressers
Winter coats, boots, gloves and hats
Personal care items
Towels
Car seats

* RAIS clients also receive support from Bishop's Attic, located at 1100 Gambell St., Anchorage. Please support our program by also donating items to this organization.

RAIS also receives cash donations to support specific projects and general programming to serve our clients. Any sized contribution can make an impact:

Specific Projects

Revolving Security Deposit Fund - contributing to this fund will pay the first security deposit for a newly arriving family.

Garden Project Support - we have just begun a project that will allow some of our clients to learn about growing a small crop to sell at the farmer's market next summer. Contributions can support tools, fertilizers, seeds and land.

General

A $10 contribution can purchase an international calling card to allow a refugee to speak with family members back home; or it will buy a snow and ice scraper to help refugees be prepared in Alaska's winter.

A $25 contribution can purchase a new pair of shoes for a child getting ready for his or her first day at school; or it will purchase an English Language Training book.

A $50 contribution can purchase a uniform for an individual preparing for his or her first day of work; or it can replace the batteries in a refugee's hearing aid.

A $100 contribution will purchase groceries to stock a family's kitchen for their first week in the U.S.; or it will help RAIS publish brochures and other items to raise awareness about refugee issues.

A $1,000 contribution can pay for a month's rent for a family; or can pay for a series of classes to help a new arrival gain employment skills (such as classes for a Certified Driver's License or a Certified Nurse's Assistant).

Other ways to contribute financially:
Give a refugee a job or inform RAIS staff about job openings that you are aware of.

Provide tickets and coupons, such as zoo or museum passes, movie tickets, and restaurant gift certificates to support new arrivals in learning about the U.S.