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We Serve

Over 70,000 Refugees in Utah

Our small nonprofit fills the gaps in services with one full-time employee, six part-time employees, and a huge amount of community support.

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We Maximize Donations

For every $1 donated, we turn it into $3.96 in goods for refugees.

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Supporting Students

We provide 5,000+ backpacks annually full of school supplies to refugee students.

“Above all, recognize that if you have had success, you have also had luck, and with luck comes obligation. You owe a debt, and not just to your Gods. You owe a debt to the unlucky.”

Michael Lewis

Author

General FAQs

Utah Refugee Connection has been around for over 15 years. We fill gaps in services in the refugee community. We build bridges between refugees and the larger community by coordinating meaningful opportunities to LEARN, SERVE, and GIVE to local refugee families. We support refugees by mobilizing volunteers, collecting needed items, and collaborating with schools, faith groups, and other nonprofits to meet real-time needs. Our goal is to ensure that refugees feel SAFE, SEEN, and SUPPORTED among us.

There is an amazing network of services for refugees. This network includes refugee resettlement programs to assist when refugees first arrive, English learning programs, job training, and counseling for those who have been the victims of torture, among other services. Utah Refugee Connection works collaboratively with partners to help create pathways of success for refugees.

[SEE LIST of Partner Providers here]

You can learn more about refugee community support by visiting our website, attending local educational events, volunteering, or subscribing to our newsletter. We are also very active on social media platforms. You can follow us for current needs on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @ServeRefugees.

Utah Refugee Connection offers tools and resources to help you get involved—from supply drives and community events to cultural education. We also partner with resettlement agencies and local organizations to offer comprehensive information on refugee needs in Utah.

Refugee assistance in Utah is available to individuals and families who have received official refugee status from the U.S. government. This includes people who have fled persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Many services are coordinated through resettlement agencies, but community organizations like Utah Refugee Connection also provide additional support as needed.

Unlike resettlement agencies that manage the logistics of refugee arrivals, Utah Refugee Connection focuses on engaging the broader community in long-term support. We serve as a hub for community members, schools, businesses, and faith groups who want to help refugees through volunteering, donations, and service projects.

Our unique model fosters connection, promotes understanding, and fills gaps by listening to refugee voices and responding to real-time needs. Having a support network for refugees and working collaboratively yields the best outcomes for families.

FAQs For Refugees

Utah Refugee Connection (URC) partners with local agencies and volunteers to provide practical support for refugee individuals and families living in Utah. Some of the items and services we offer include:

  • Hygiene kits
  • School supplies
  • Menstrual supplies
  • Winter clothing
  • Bus passes
  • Car seats, strollers, and Pack ‘n Plays
  • Diapers
  • Community events and educational programs

We often work through referrals from the Refugee Services Office (RSO) with the State of Utah, Women of the World, Catholic Community Services (CCS), International Rescue Committee (IRC), school counselors, and case managers. You can find a list of our partner organizations here.

If you are in need, we recommend reaching out to your case manager, RSO, or another refugee-serving organization to learn about upcoming URC distribution events and how to access available resources.

We also encourage you to follow Utah Refugees on Facebook and Instagram for announcements and refugee-specific updates.

If you’re unsure where to start, please email us at [email protected] — we’re here to help guide you.

To receive items from our Sharehouse, you must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Attend at least 16 hours of classes with one of our partner organizations and bring a completed class form. 
  • Provide an emergency referral form from a case manager, school counselor, or trusted partner agency.

Our Sharehouse is located at:

3134 South 300 East
South Salt Lake, UT
Open Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

If you are unsure where to go to get a class or referral form, you are welcome to visit the Sharehouse during open hours. Our team will help you get connected to the right services and community partners.

Utah Refugee Connection offers specialized support for refugee mothers and young children through our maternal care program, led by a dedicated maternal specialist. This program helps families access essential items for infants and young children, such as:

  • Diapers
  • Formula
  • Car seats 
  • Strollers
  • Pack ‘n Plays

Other newborn and child-related supplies

To receive support, a referral form is required from one of our trusted partners. These include:

  • Refugee Services Office (RSO)
  • Women of the World
  • Catholic Community Services (CCS)
  • International Rescue Committee (IRC)
  • Other approved community organizations

If you’re seeking help or need guidance on how to get a referral, please contact Muhia:
[email protected]
(801) 613-7216

We’re here to ensure that refugee families have the resources to care for their children with dignity and support.

At Utah Refugee Connection (URC), we love helping refugees and connecting families to long-term support. We follow a collaborative, referral-based model that works closely with our community partners to ensure refugees are accessing the services that will best support their success.

You do not need to formally register with URC to receive basic items like hygiene kits or school supplies. However, to access larger or ongoing resources—such as support from our Sharehouse, maternal care, or seasonal programs—we require a referral from one of our partners.

These partners include:

  • Refugee Services Office (RSO) – Visit RSO
  • Women of the World
  • Catholic Community Services (CCS)
  • International Rescue Committee (IRC)
  • School counselors, case managers, and other local support organizations

We always recommend that refugee families begin by connecting with their resettlement agency to learn which services they qualify for. If your time with a resettlement agency has ended, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with the Refugee Services Office with the State of Utah.

If you’re unsure where to go, you’re welcome to visit our Sharehouse. Our team is happy to help you understand the best next steps and connect you to the right services.

Location: 3134 South 300 East, South Salt Lake
Open: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

If you don’t speak English, you can still get the help you need at our Sharehouse. Here’s what to expect:

Basic Language Support: We have limited in-person language availability, depending on which volunteers or staff are present. Sometimes we speak your language — and when we don’t, we still try hard to help.

Google Translate & Digital Tools: We are very experienced with Google Translate, and we’ll use it on our phones or computers to understand what you need and to help you understand us. This often works well enough for:

  • Basic conversations
  • Explaining how to get items
  • Helping with referrals or directions

Helping You Find the Right Resources: Even if we can’t provide what you need on-site, we’ll do our best to connect you with services in your language, including:

  • Resettlement agencies
  • Community groups
  • Interpreters, when available
  • Medical or legal assistance

What You Can Do to Help

  • Bring a friend who speaks both English and your language, if possible.
  • Use translation apps on your phone too, if you have one — this helps us work together faster.
  • Be patient — we are committed to helping you, even if it takes a little extra time.

Utah Refugee Services Office (RSO)

The state-run RSO coordinates resettlement and integration services, including:

  • English Language (ESL) classes
  • Employment support
  • Cultural orientation
  • Health screenings
  • Case management (through resettlement partners)

Resettlement Agencies

Federally approved organizations that support refugees upon arrival and beyond:

Catholic Community Services of Utah (CCS)

  • Services: housing, food, job placement, legal aid, ESL, and case management

International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City

  • Services: employment, economic empowerment, immigration legal services, youth support, health access

English Language & Adult Education

Granite School District Family Engagement Centers

  • Offer ESL classes, tutoring, and family support

English Skills Learning Center (ESLC)

  • Free community-based English instruction and training for immigrants and refugees

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC)

  • ESL programs and academic pathways for adult learners, including college readiness

District Adult Education Centers

  • Available in Canyons, Jordan, Davis, and Salt Lake City school districts – offer GED, ESL, and vocational training.

Legal and Immigration Help

Holy Cross Ministries

  • Affordable immigration legal services, family support, and outreach

IRC Immigration Services

  • Help with green cards, family petitions, citizenship, and more.

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains – Utah

  • Offers immigration and refugee support, including family reunification and trauma-informed services

Online Guides & Statewide Help

211 Utah or dial 2-1-1
 A free information and referral service available in multiple languages. Use it to find:

  • Housing assistance
  • Food resources
  • Healthcare options
  • Legal aid
  • Employment help

FAQs for Volunteers and Donors

Utah is home to a vibrant refugee community, and there are many ways you can get involved to make a meaningful impact.

First and Foremost: Start with Personal Connections

If you know someone who works with refugees — whether in a school, community program, or faith setting — we encourage you to ask how you can support them. Many frontline workers and volunteers appreciate help with transportation, childcare, tutoring, or simply having an extra set of hands at events.

We also highly recommend getting involved with the Know Your Neighbor Program, a Salt Lake City initiative that helps individuals and families build meaningful relationships with refugee neighbors through intentional, respectful connection. It’s a powerful way to support refugee resettlement through community-building and trust.

Volunteer with Utah Refugee Connection

At Utah Refugee Connection, we host occasional volunteer opportunities throughout the year, especially during:

  • Donation drives
  • Holiday or back-to-school events
  • Cultural celebrations
  • Teen and women’s leadership events
  • Sharehouse support activities

These events directly benefit local refugee families and allow you to be part of community-wide efforts.

Stay Updated on Opportunities

The best way to find current volunteer opportunities is to follow us on our social media platforms. We regularly post open calls for volunteers, event details, and updates.

Whether you’re an individual, a family, a school group, or part of a faith community — there’s a place for you to serve.

Utah Refugee Connection focuses on high-need, culturally appropriate, and dignity-based donations that have an immediate impact on refugees resettling in Utah.

Most Needed: General Kits

  • Used as incentives for refugees attending 16-hour classes and in emergency situations.
  • Approximately 400+ kits are distributed each month.
  • Full assembly instructions are available on the Give Page.

Hygiene Items (New, Full-Size Only)

  • Shampoo & conditioner
  • Soap or body wash
  • Toothbrushes & toothpaste (all sizes)
  • Feminine hygiene products (menstrual pads preferred)
  • Scented lotions (appreciated by teens and women)
  • Gender-neutral deodorant
  • Razors

Cleaning Supplies

  • Dish soap (colored appreciated)
  • All-purpose spray cleaner
  • Dish towels
  • Laundry detergent (90–120 oz)
  • Toilet paper

School Supplies (NEW & Sturdy Only)

  • Standard/sturdy backpacks (no drawstring bags)
  • Leak-proof water bottles

New Baby Items

  • Diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6 preferred)
  • Baby wipes
  • New baby blankets

Gift Cards

Gift cards allow refugee families to meet needs that physical donations cannot always address:

  • Grocery: Smith’s, Harmons, Walmart, Target
  • Visa gift cards (can be used at halal/ethnic markets)
  • Gas cards
  • $10 fast food gift cards (e.g., Chick-fil-A, Maverik, McDonald’s)

These are especially used as incentives for refugee teens attending workshops and reaching success milestones.

Items We Do Not Accept

Due to liability, storage, and program relevance, we cannot accept:

  • Used baby equipment (e.g., car seats, cribs, strollers)
  • Furniture (see below for referrals)
  • Clothing (unless during a seasonal drive)
    Food (canned or perishable)

Furniture Donations Referral:

Where & When to Donate

Location: The Sharehouse
3134 South 300 East, South Salt Lake, UT

Drop-Off Hours:
Mondays and Wednesdays
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Phone: 951-916-4439

Large Drop-Offs (75+ kits or truckload):
Please call ahead to coordinate.

Important Note: Do not leave donations outside when closed — this encourages theft and disrupts the neighborhood.