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. Central Valley residents are served by staff located in Turlock, CA.

Upcoming Events

Happy Hour - Join the IRC/SF for an Election Night Happy Hour on Tuesday, November 4th at Pete's Tavern (in SoMa). This event is presented by the  IRC San Francisco Advisory Committee. Tickets can be purchased online! For more information, contact Brian.Adkins@theIRC.org, or (415) 863-3777.

Thanksgiving Potluck - The IRC/SF will host its 10th Annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner in Oakland on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Please contact Brian Adkins at Brian.Adkins@theIRC.org if you'd like to know how you can be involved.

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,  contact Rachel Bernstein at Rachel.Bernstein@theIRC.org, or (415) 863-3777.

For volunteer opportunies in Oakland, contact Peter Newbegin at Peter.Newbegin@theIRC.org, or (510) 452-8222.

For volunteer opportunities in Turlock, please contact David Babadalir at David.Babadalir@theIRC.org, or (209) 667-2378.

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