From Stranger to Neighbor

Refugee Assistance Fund

Belonging Begins With Us

They’ve survived the unimaginable to pursue new beginnings.

Fleeing danger, fathers, mothers and entire families arrive in Florida, often with little more than the clothes on their backs, from thousands of miles away equipped with hope, determination, and employable skills…

…they just need OUR hand up.

8 Months to THRIVE

Refugees are approved and assigned a region of the country to live by the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement. Federal financial support is intended to provide for resettlement essentials (including housing, food, clothing, transportation, and employment support), however, rising costs and sluggish governmental processes for employment documentation are resulting in a longer runway to self-sufficiency.

85% of refugees gain self-sufficiency within 8 months

Help Welcome Refugees Today

Your contributions will help fill gaps in funding immediate and essential resettling needs for all refugee families as they build their life in the United States.

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The Refugee Assistance THRIVE Fund - Now Matched

Together Helping Restore Independence, Vitality, and Empowerment

Gulf Coast JFCS has assisted new beginnings for some 3,000 refugees and victims of torture, war, and conflict in the past two years.  And, while many have achieved self-sufficiency, recent arrivals require additional support to thrive. 

Contributions to the Refugee Assistance THRIVE Fund will provide:

  • vital additional months of temporary housing:
  • home furnishings, clothing, food, transportation assistance
  • legal support to expedite work authorization documentation
  • vocational training and/or job placement assistance
  • healthcare, schools, daycare, cultural competency support

Sponsor an Individual or Family to THRIVE

Your gift today provides the bridge to self-sufficiency for these courageous refugees and their families.  Their determination and perseverance together with your generosity will empower them to self-sufficiency and a productive life in our community.

To continue this work, Gulf Coast JFCS is proud to announce a $250,000 match campaign designed to empower refugees, doubling donations to support brighter futures and improved quality of life for those impacted by the current refugee resettlement and integration crisis.

This campaign not only uplifts refugee lives but strengthens Gulf Coast JFCS' ability to respond effectively during the ongoing refugee crisis.  We intend to continue to meet refugees’ most basic needs in the wake of federal funding reductions. Every dollar donated to the Refugee Assistance THRIVE Fund will be matched up to $250,000 between now and June 30th, 2025. Every contribution is impactful.

Be Their Match - Click to Learn More

Make an Impact:

  • $10,000 –  Sponsor a Family: Supports a family of 4 with housing and daily living essentials to obtain self-sufficiency for 4-5 months.
  • $5,000 – Sponsor an Individual: Supports one individual with housing and daily living essentials to obtain self-sufficiency for 4-5 months.
  • $3,000 – One Month Housing + Living Essentials: Provide a family of four with one month of housing, utility, and food for one month.
  • $1,800 – One Month Housing + Living Essentials: Provide for one individual’s housing, utilities, and food for a month.
  • $1,000 – Groceries for one month for one family
  • $500 – School clothes/supplies for two children
  • $250 – English classes for one individual

These funds will be directed to the most urgent needs of our newcomers, prioritizing those most in need.

How To Make Your Contribution:

Donate directly online OR

Direct your contribution by written correspondence, either email or letter, to:
Gulf Coast JFCS Refugee Assistance THRIVE Fund,
14041 Icot Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760

Kelly Jordan, Vice President of Philanthropy
727-416-2462 | kelly.jordan@gcjfcs.org

Gulf Coast JFCS is proud to partner with HIAS and ORR to welcome and assist refugees to successfully and safely resettle in our community.  Financial contributions directed toward the Refugee Assistance THIVE Fund will assist these individuals and hundreds of others from other countries with vital food, housing, employment, and child care or school-entry support.  Together, we “welcome the stranger as our neighbor.”