The IRC’s San Francisco office was established in 1975 to serve the needs of Southeast Asian refugees who were airlifted to the U.S. after the fall of Saigon.  Since that time, the office has expanded to respond to each new refugee crisis as it has arisen, providing resettlement opportunities to more than 27,000 refugees from more than 30 countries.

The IRC provides a wide range of services to refugees from the time they arrive and works to promote each refugee family's search for self-sufficiency. The IRC provides new refugees with housing and cash assistance, connects them with health care and other basic services, and helps them gain the skills they need to secure stable employment.  Specialized services for vocational trainees, asylees, and special refugee groups are also provided by dedicated staff and volunteers. The IRC also provides services that help refugees realize their dreams of becoming U.S. citizens. 

The IRC serves the immediate Bay Area through its locations in downtown San Francisco and Oakland. Northern California counties are served through the IRC sub-office in Sacramento. Central Valley residents are served by staff located in Turlock, CA.

Upcoming Events

Thank you to all of our supporters who participated in the IRC's Make Dining Out Count Campaign, in commemoration of World Refugee Day. Special thanks to our participating restaurants.

Volunteer - Make a Difference Today

We have many volunteer opportunities, from mentoring a refugee family to assisting in the IRC office, to helping out at one of our many community events.

To find out more about volunteering in San Francisco, please contact Diane Patterson at Diane.Patterson@theIRC.org or (415) 863-3777.

In Oakland, please contact Ana Chow at Ana.Chow@theIRC.org or (510) 452-8222.

In Sacramento, please contact Nicole Garello at Nicole.Garello@theIRC.org (916) 482-0120.

To volunteer as a driver in Turlock, please contact David Babadalir at David.Babadalir@theIRC.org (209) 667-2378

Donate Now and you will be helping refugees and asylees transition to life in Northern California.