Refugee Support Network

Since 2016 our organization has helped asylum seekers, refugees and other displaced persons resettle in the Bloomington Community. We have assisted persons from 13 countries. It is all through the help of volunteers, with no paid staff.

The Bloomington Refugee Support Network supports immigrant individuals and families who have often fled violence in their home countries. Many arrive needing very basic requirements to live: food, shelter, and medical support. A key element of RSN support is our Special Friends network, for which we are seeking volunteers. Volunteers who work with clients typically meet weekly at the beginning to assist the resettlement, becoming an advocate and a friend over time. Working with a wide array of wonderful community partners, we may need to help them obtain gently used furniture, clothing, food, and shelter. We may help them find essential medical support and assist in enrolling any children to local schools. RSN provides support to all volunteers to navigate their way to community resources and answers any questions and concerns.

RSN is able to provide some limited financial. assistance to our newly arrived friends, helping them with rent, utilities, medical expenses, etc. To do this work, we gratefully accept donations from local organizations, faith communities and individuals.

Many of our clients are spanish speakers, and knowledge of it is an asset, but not required. We also have many clients for Europe, Asia and Africa. The relationships built are often very reciprocal with clients having great appreciation for a volunteers work and care, and can evolve into long lasting relationships over time. It is also a chance to learn about other cultures and traditions in a meaningful way.