Refugee Assistance Alliance

Welcome to Refugee Assistance Alliance!

Refugee Assistance Alliance (RAA) empowers newcomers—families and individuals resettled legally in Miami as refugees—to transition out of crisis, to survival, sufficiency and ultimately growth. Since we founded in 2017, we’ve mobilized the power of ordinary people in Miami—volunteers, mentors, educators, donors and employers—to provide critical wraparound support to help refugees integrate into our community.

The Challenge

Over half of Florida’s refugees start their new lives in Miami‑Dade County. Many arrive with nothing but hope. But their struggles are not over. Without English fluency, formal education, or U.S. qualifications, many only access “survival jobs” — low-paid, low-skilled roles with no opportunity for advancement– trapping families in persistent poverty for a generation. 

The data: Refugees can expect to earn 18% less than migrants –who themselves earn 20% less than U.S.-born– and refugee employability declines five years after arrival. 100% of RAA's refugee clients live at Extremely Low Income (Miami Area Median Income). Refugees are asset and time poor – stretched to over-capacity – and pursuing English or qualifications to gain career growth seems out of reach.

The need has never been greater: In 2025 RAA has stepped up to fill an urgent gap. Federal funding cuts eliminated all resettlement assistance for refugees and closed major refugee resettlement agencies in Miami— who referred  clients to RAA— and RAA doubled the number of households we support. When the “Big Beautiful Bill” stripped refugees of access to food stamps (and Medicaid) RAA started food deliveries to refugee households and healthcare access support. Now RAA is helping more clients with greater needs than ever before.

Our Approach

Through volunteer-driven, community-led initiatives, we focus on five core areas:

• Economic Stability: We offer financial guidance, material aid, rental assistance and resource navigation to help refugee families move from crisis to security.

• English: Language is empowerment. We teach English to overturn economic and social isolation.

• Emotional Support: Displaced from family and networks, refugees face loneliness, anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress. Our volunteers become friends, advocates, and allies in rebuilding social connections and confidence.

• Employment & Career Support: Recognizing transferable skills and bridging understanding with employers has helped many of our clients secure sustainable jobs.

• Educational & Vocational Opportunities: We provide classes, training, and credentialing pathways to help refugees grow careers and open doors to promotion.

Community Building

We’re not just a service provider—we’re a community-builder. By equipping ordinary people with training, by fostering communications between diverse economic and social groups, and by championing friendship and inclusion, RAA bridges the gap between longstanding residents of our home town and its newest members.

Join the Movement

On Give Miami Day, your support helps rewrite refugee lives. Every donation unlocks access to vital support programs: from English tutoring and career development to volunteer training and emotional mentoring. 

Even more powerful—monthly gifts ensure sustained, consistent support, helping whole refugee families transition from uncertainty toward independence and belonging.