The 5 Best Refugee Organizations in Buffalo, NY (2024)

Buffalo is home to a vibrant and resilient refugee community. Known for its welcoming spirit, the city has fostered an environment where newcomers can find support, opportunity, and a sense of belonging. As a result, numerous remarkable organizations are devoted to easing the transition for refugees, offering services such as employment assistance, legal aid, education, and cultural integration.

In this guide, we'll share some of the best organizations in Buffalo that are making a significant impact. Whether you're seeking employment services, legal support, or assistance with translation and interpretation, these groups offer crucial support to help newcomers thrive.

Is Buffalo a refugee city? 

Known for its welcoming community, Buffalo has established itself as a prominent refugee city. It is the leading resettlement destination in New York State, significantly surpassing New York City in the number of refugees resettled annually. 

In fact, since 2002, Buffalo has consistently ranked as the eighth-largest refugee destination in the United States. This strong tradition of resettlement continues to shape and enrich the cultural fabric of the city.

What organizations help refugees? 

Buffalo is home to a vibrant network of organizations dedicated to supporting the refugee and immigrant community. These groups offer a wide range of services, including employment assistance, translation and interpretation, education, visa support, and more. 

Together, they play a crucial role in empowering refugees and helping them build successful lives in their new home.

The Best Refugee Organizations in Buffalo, NY

Take a look at our list of the top organizations for refugees and immigrants in the Buffalo area: 

Journey’s End Refugee Services 

Location: 2495 Main St #530, Buffalo, NY 14214

Journey’s End Refugee Services plays a pivotal role in supporting newly arrived refugees as they settle into their new lives in Western New York. The organization provides Welcome Kits filled with essential household items like kitchenware, linens, toiletries, and cleaning supplies, helping to create a solid foundation for families starting afresh. 

Refugees often arrive with very little, making each donation invaluable to their transition. From the comfort of your home, you can contribute to these efforts by checking out Journey's End's wish list, where you can select commonly needed household goods that will be delivered directly to their office for refugee clients to access. 

In addition to providing these crucial supplies, the organization also offers comprehensive services in resettlement, employment and entrepreneurship, education, and legal support.

Hope Refugee Drop-In Center 

Location: 248 W Ferry St, Buffalo, NY 14213

The Hope Refugee Drop-In Center is committed to empowering refugees and immigrants who now call Buffalo home. Whether it's interpreting WIC checks, paying bills, filling out job applications, or requesting translation services, the center's culturally diverse staff helps clients navigate these challenges while also showing them how to do it independently.

Hope has become a vital voice in the community by building partnerships with those dedicated to assisting a similar population. These partnerships include community health worker training, domestic violence awareness, good tenant trainings, ethical landlord collaborations, and providing resources for parents of school-aged children. 

Through these efforts, Hope helps clients connect to the resources they need while fostering stronger community relationships.

Catholic Charities Immigration & Refugee Assistance 

Location: 20 Herkimer St, Buffalo, NY 14213

Catholic Charities Immigration & Refugee Assistance plays a crucial role in welcoming resettlement clients who arrive in the United States through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/Migration Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS), following approval from the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

The organization offers a range of programs that include employment services, assistance with immigration needs, medical case management, and opportunities for donations and volunteering. Through these services, Catholic Charities helps refugees establish new lives and build brighter futures in the U.S.

International Institute of Buffalo 

Location: 864 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209

The International Institute of Buffalo is dedicated to fostering the integration of new Americans and supporting survivors, immigrants, and refugees. With services ranging from interpreting and translation to education, international exchanges, and survivor support, the institute embodies Buffalo's legacy as the "City of Good Neighbors." 

Their efforts have touched people from Afghanistan, Bosnia, Congo, Iran, Ukraine, and many other nations, providing comprehensive support and helping make Western New York even better through the rich diversity and cultural contributions of these new neighbors.

Justice for Migrant Families 

Location: 371 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14210

Justice for Migrant Families (JFMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting justice for migrant families. Formed in the wake of workplace raids in 2016 on four Mexican restaurants in Buffalo, which affected a group of workers known as the Buffalo 25, JFMF has evolved from a rapid response initiative into a trusted, long-standing organization. 

It provides information, support, and material assistance to migrants in federal detention, helps find shelter, legal support, and emergency funds for migrants in the community, and advocates for a future of immigrant justice in all its forms.

Discover the Best Organizations for Refugees in Buffalo!

Buffalo is home to a remarkable network of organizations dedicated to supporting refugees and immigrants as they build new lives in Western New York. Whether you're seeking translation and interpretation services, employment assistance, legal support, or simply a welcoming community, these organizations have you covered. 

If you’re looking to get ahead on services like translation, interpretation, or employment assistance, Equity can help with all your needs.

Book your free consultation call for more information today!