The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO)

Mission

IRCO’s mission is to welcome, serve, and empower immigrants, refugees, and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. 

Bottom Line for Portland

For nearly 50 years, the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) has been a cornerstone of hope and belonging in Oregon. Founded by immigrants and refugees to support families newly arriving in the state, IRCO has grown into one of Portland’s largest community-based organizations, serving more than 25,000 people each year in Oregon and SW Washington. 

With a mission to welcome, serve, and empower immigrants, refugees, and people across cultures, IRCO reduces obstacles to success while creating pathways to opportunity and connection. From language access and workforce training to youth and senior programs, IRCO ensures that all Oregonians—no matter where they come from—have the chance to thrive. Today, as immigrant and refugee communities face mounting challenges, this work is more critical than ever. 

In the face of rising discrimination and division, your support for this Give!Guide campaign fuels and sustains essential programs that protect, uplift, and empower immigrants and refugees across Oregon. 

Quote

“In Congo, it was always fight. Always struggle. After learning I would move to the United States from a refugee camp, I was happy, but I didn’t know what would happen when I arrived... 

"My case manager met me at the airport with clothes, food, and other essentials. It gave me hope that—maybe— the next few days and the next few years would be all right... 

"Now I have a job and an apartment. I’m thankful to be here. I didn’t know I could live a life as abundant and full as the one I know now. I am grateful to IRCO for helping me get here." 

Client from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC

Incentives

Donate over $500 and receive a “I Stand with Immigrants and Refugees” IRCO graphic tee. 

Partner(s)

St. Andrew Legal Clinic partners with IRCO’s Legal Services department to provide legal services to families. 

IRCO SUN Community School's In-School Food Pantries are possible through a partnership with the Oregon Food Bank (OFB). IRCO SUN currently operates 9 OFB In-School Food Pantries across east Multnomah County, and 7 Fresh Food Markets across the Portland Metro area. 

IRCO’s brand-new affordable housing complex and early learning center at Glisan Landing is co-located with Stone Soup PDX cafe on-site. Stone Soup PDX builds economic stability for people facing barriers to employment through hands-on culinary training and their community meals program.