INTERFAITH REFUGEE MINISTRY
THE CORE SERVICES OF SPONSORSHIP
Sponsors provide the following services for a minimum of three months to help the refugees become self-sufficient, contributing members of their new community. The core services should be provided throughout the first 90 days after arrival, or until the refugee is self-sufficient.
1. Arrival. Arrange to meet the refugee at the nearest major airport and provide transportation to living accommodations.
2. Housing & Furnishings. Provide the initial temporary housing and help the refugees obtain permanent housing. Provide basic furnishings and other needed household goods.
3. Food. Provide food, or food allowance as well as other basic living needs.
4. Clothing. Provide basic clothing for the refugee, appropriate to the climate, if necessary.
5. Health. Assist the refugee in receiving an initial health exam within a month of arrival. Assist a refugee with known health problems to secure follow-up medical treatment within one week of arrival.
6. Social Security card. Assist the refugee in applying for a Social Security card.
7. Employment. Help find a job for each employable refugee; enroll refugee in job training programs or on-the-job training.
8. Education. Enroll the refugee in English language classes; assist with school registration for children.
9. Orientation. Help the refugee become oriented in the community; show how to shop, use public transportation, emergency telephone numbers, understand local customs and laws, obtain a driver license, life and health insurance, bank accounts, etc.
10. Travel loan. Encourage the refugee to repay the interest-free travel loan extended to provide transport to this country. Provide IRM with an updated address should the refugee move.
11. Record-keeping. Maintain contact with IRM staff for a minimum of 90 days. Keep detailed records of donations and expenditures and return them to IRM at 30 days and 90-120 days after arrival.
