Moving to a new country brings many challenges. Immigrants who are only just arriving to their new homes may require help securing basic necessities, learning the language and culture, finding jobs, and integrating into their own workplace and local communities. Fortunately, in the U.S. there are various charities set up specifically to assist the immigrant populations. These nonprofit organizations (NGOs) provide invaluable services that uplift immigrant families and help them rebuild stable lives.
In this guide, we’ll highlight key charities that support immigrants across areas like direct legal services, housing, food access, education, employment, health, immigration services and more. Understanding the types of immigrant-focused charities can help you or your family members locate aid and contribute to impactful organizations making a difference.
National Charities Supporting Immigrants
In addition to local organizations, several large national charities operate programs and services that aid immigrants across multiple locations. Some notable examples include:
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit building affordable housing and providing home repair solutions for low-income families including immigrants.
Salvation Army
Provides food, clothing, shelter, education, and other social services and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable immigrants through their network of thousands of local Corps centers.
United Way
The United Way works with local partners to connect immigrant families to crucial resources related to food, housing, education, health, and employment.
Catholic Charities
The national arm of the Catholic Church aids immigrants through resettlement services, legal help, education, healthcare access, and basic needs assistance.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Works through nationwide affiliates to offer immigrant legal services, advocacy, education, refugee resettlement, and immigration detention support.
Legal Assistance Charities
Navigating visas, work permits, deportation defense, and complex immigration laws requires expertise. Legal assistance charities help immigrants understand their rights and provide attorneys to represent them in immigration cases. Some top immigrant legal aid charities include:
KIND (Kids in Need of Defense) – Provides legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant and refugee children facing deportation.
Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC) – Nonprofit law firm defending immigrant women and kids in detention centers and immigration courts. They also protect them from violence and abuse.
HIAS – Jewish-American organization offering legal help to assist immigrants with applications for asylum, family reunification, work permits, permanent residency, and citizenship.
Free Legal Representation – The U.S. government has a database of pro-bono (free) legal service attorneys to assist refugees, asylum seekers, and and lawful permanent residents.
Housing Assistance Charities
Finding safe, stable housing is difficult for newly arrived immigrants with minimal income or rental history. Housing charities help cover move-in costs, rent payments, and other housing needs. Some top options are:
Refugee Housing Solutions – Resource to assist refugees in finding available housing through the various non-profit organizations in the U.S.
Food and Basic Needs Charities
Immigrants struggling to make ends meet require help accessing nutritious food, health supplies, clothing, and other basics for their families. Charities meet these needs through food pantries, soup kitchens, donations, and more. Some examples include:
Catholic Charities – Operates food banks and distribution centers across the U.S. to help feed immigrant families. Provides baby items, hygiene kits, school supplies, and other household essentials.
International Institute of Minnesota – Provides cultural education and workforce opportunities to newly arrived immigrants in Minnesota. Their site provides additional education resources.
Education and Job Training Charities
Education gaps and limited English skills make finding stable employment difficult for many immigrants. Nonprofits provide English classes, vocational training, financial education, and career services tailored to immigrant communities. Some leading groups are:
Immigrant Welcome Center – Indianapolis nonprofit teaching ESL classes and offering job training programs to improve immigrants’ employability and integration.
Ethiopian Community Development Council – National volunteer organization with job placement, career coaching, and workforce development programs to help refugees gain economic security.
Upwardly Global – Matches skilled immigrants and refugees with professional jobs related to their education and work background after arrival in the U.S.
Health and Wellness Charities
Limited income and lack of insurance prevent many immigrants from accessing healthcare. Health-focused charities fill this gap by providing low-cost medical, dental, and mental health services. Some examples include:
National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics – An online resource to find clinics in your area. Their mission – “Building healthy communities for all through quality, equitable, accessible healthcare.”
Community Health Centers – These health centers offer free or low-cost medical assistance. Search for “community health centers near me” or on FindHelp.org for a center near you.
Education Assistance Charities for Immigrants
Education is key to helping immigrants successfully integrate. Many charities focus specifically on providing learning opportunities and academic support. Some examples of immigrant education charities include:
Upwardly Global – Provides customized professional skills training, credential reviews, interview coaching, employer, and job search help tailored for skilled immigrants.
Literacy Councils – These independent nonprofits offer free ESL, basic literacy, and civics education classes to immigrant adults through thousands of their volunteers and local chapters. Search for a council in your area.
Gaining language abilities, vocational skills, and credentials allows immigrants to secure jobs matching their experience and aptitudes. Education-oriented nonprofits make essential services accessible for immigrant community advancement.
Government Assistance Programs
Along with charities, federal and state government assistance programs can also support low-income immigrant families. Programs like SNAP food benefits, Medicaid insurance, CHIP children’s health coverage, and housing subsidies may be available to qualified immigrants.
Connecting with nonprofit navigators can help determine eligibility for various aid programs.
Immigrant Communities - Find the Help You Need on Your Arrival
The path to stability and safety in a new country is seldom easy for immigrants. However, charities and community resources exist to provide the help needed to overcome obstacles. Understanding the types of immigrant services available allows families to seek out trusted organizations that make an impact. Supporting and volunteering with local charities also enables community members to uplift their immigrant neighbors.
