Refugee & Immigrant Resources in Washington State

1. Why Refugee & Immigrant Families Face Unique Barriers

Refugee and immigrant families in Washington state face overlapping challenges that standard social services were not designed to address. Understanding those barriers is the first step toward navigating around them.

Language & Communication

Language is the most immediate barrier. When service providers do not offer interpretation, families are left to navigate complex benefit systems, legal forms, and medical appointments without understanding what is being said or signed. Washington state law requires many publicly funded agencies to provide language access services — but enforcement is inconsistent, and families often do not know to ask. Always request an interpreter. You have the right to one at federally funded programs, including healthcare, DSHS benefits, and housing programs.

Legal Status & Fear of Deportation

Undocumented immigrants, asylum seekers, visa holders, and even some lawful permanent residents live with real or perceived fear that accessing services will jeopardize their immigration status or lead to enforcement action. This fear prevents families from seeking help with housing, domestic violence, healthcare, and food — often to life-threatening effect. In Washington state, most publicly funded social services do not share information with immigration enforcement. Knowing which programs are safe to access — and which immigration-related protections apply — is critical.

Cultural Isolation & Community Dislocation

Refugees and immigrants frequently arrive without the extended family networks, community ties, and cultural familiarity that make hard seasons survivable. The isolation of starting over in a new country — with a new language, new rules, and no support system — compounds every other challenge. Mental health impacts, family stress, and social withdrawal are common and underaddressed. Culturally competent support — from providers who understand your background, speak your language, and do not require you to translate your culture before you can access care — is not a luxury. It is a basic prerequisite for effective help.

Domestic Violence Underreporting

Domestic violence is severely underreported in refugee and immigrant communities. Abusers often weaponize immigration status — threatening to report a survivor to immigration authorities, withhold immigration sponsorship, or claim that police in the U.S. will not help. Cultural norms in many communities discourage disclosure of family violence. Survivors may not know that U.S. law provides specific protections for immigrant victims of domestic violence — protections that are independent of an abusive sponsor's cooperation.

Human Trafficking Risk

Newly arrived refugees and undocumented immigrants are at significantly elevated risk of labor and sex trafficking. Isolation, language barriers, economic desperation, and lack of knowledge about U.S. law create vulnerability. Traffickers often pose as employers, landlords, or helpers. T-visa protections exist specifically for trafficking survivors, providing legal status and access to benefits — but survivors must know those protections exist to access them. If you believe someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 (available 24/7, multiple languages).

2. Washington State Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance (ORIA)

The Washington State Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) sits within the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and is the primary state agency funding and coordinating services for refugee and immigrant families in Washington. Understanding what ORIA funds and who it serves is essential for any family navigating the refugee resources Washington state system.

Who ORIA Serves

ORIA serves refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, Amerasians, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders (including Afghan and Iraqi nationals), victims of severe forms of trafficking, and certain other humanitarian entrants who have been officially admitted through federal programs. Undocumented immigrants generally do not qualify for federally funded ORIA programs, though some state-funded programs have broader eligibility. If you are unsure of your status category, a local resettlement agency can help you determine which programs you can access.

What ORIA Funds

ORIA administers federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) funds in Washington state and allocates them to a network of contracted agencies and programs, including:

• Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) — time-limited cash grants for newly arrived refugees (details in Section 6)
• Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) — short-term Medicaid-equivalent coverage for refugees not yet eligible for standard Medicaid
• Employment services — job placement, English language training, and employment case management
• Social adjustment services — case management and community orientation for newly arrived families
• Unaccompanied refugee minor (URM) programs — care and support for refugee children arriving without parents

How to Access ORIA Services

Most ORIA-funded services are delivered through contracted resettlement agencies and community organizations — not directly through ORIA's office. The fastest path is through your local resettlement agency (see Section 3) or by calling WA 211 (dial 2-1-1), which can connect you to the right agency based on your location, language, and immigration status. You can also find ORIA information at dshs.wa.gov/oria.

3. Resettlement Agencies in Washington State

Resettlement agencies are the front door to most refugee resources Washington state families will need — especially in the critical first months after arrival. These organizations are federally contracted to provide initial resettlement services, but many also offer long-term support, DV services, employment programs, and case management for immigrants beyond the initial resettlement window.

International Rescue Committee (IRC) — Seattle

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) Seattle is one of the largest resettlement agencies in Washington state, serving thousands of refugees and immigrants each year. IRC Seattle provides initial resettlement services (housing setup, airport reception, cultural orientation), employment services, English language programs, legal services, and economic empowerment programs. They serve refugees, asylees, SIV holders, and other humanitarian entrants. Contact IRC Seattle at (206) 623-2105 or visit rescue.org/united-states/seattle-wa.

World Relief Seattle

World Relief Seattle provides refugee resettlement, immigration legal services, English language classes, employment services, and community building programs for refugee and immigrant families across the greater Seattle area. World Relief has strong partnerships with faith communities and offers volunteer mentor networks that help newly arrived families build social connections. They serve refugees, asylees, and immigrants. Visit worldreliefseattle.org or call (206) 823-4035.

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) — Seattle

USCRI's Washington office provides refugee resettlement, employment services, and case management for newly arrived families in the Seattle area. USCRI serves refugees, asylees, and Cuban/Haitian entrants. Contact them at (206) 623-2105 (shared IRC line) or visit refugees.org to find the Seattle office contact information.

Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA)

Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA) is one of the most important organizations specifically serving refugee and immigrant women and families in Washington state. ReWA provides case management, English language instruction, workforce development, children's programs, and critically — a dedicated domestic violence program for immigrant and refugee women (details in Section 5). ReWA serves women and families from dozens of cultural backgrounds and offers services in multiple languages. Contact ReWA at (206) 721-0243 or visit rewa.org.

Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS)

ACRS provides culturally and linguistically competent services for Asian American, Pacific Islander, and refugee communities in Washington state. Services include mental health counseling, case management, immigration legal services, employment support, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention. ACRS serves people regardless of immigration status for many of its programs. Contact ACRS at (206) 695-7600 or visit acrs.org.

4. Housing & Homelessness Prevention for Refugees

Housing is the most urgent need for most newly arrived refugee and immigrant families in Washington state — and one of the most difficult to navigate. Here is what you need to know about your rights, what assistance is available, and where to start.

Tenant Rights Regardless of Immigration Status

In Washington state, tenant rights apply to you regardless of your immigration status. Landlords cannot evict you, deny you housing, or threaten to report you to immigration authorities as a way to avoid their legal obligations. Washington's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18) protects all tenants — documented or undocumented — and requires proper notice before eviction, habitable living conditions, and return of security deposits. If a landlord threatens to call immigration enforcement or is otherwise trying to intimidate you, that is illegal retaliation. Contact the Washington State Attorney General's Tenant Hotline at 1-833-HLP-4-TEN (1-833-457-4836) for help.

Emergency Rental Assistance (WA ERAP)

Washington state's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has helped thousands of families avoid eviction during periods of crisis. Eligibility for ERAP does not require U.S. citizenship — refugees, asylees, and many immigrants with legal status can qualify. Some county-level ERAP programs also serve undocumented immigrants using state or local funds. Apply through your local community action agency or through WA 211. For a full guide to emergency rental assistance programs in Washington state, including county-by-county contacts and priority access for families with children, see our dedicated guide.

Transitional Housing Programs

For refugee families who need more than emergency rent help, transitional housing programs can provide a bridge between initial resettlement housing and long-term stability. The Refugee Transitional Housing Program funded through ORIA provides short- to medium-term housing assistance for eligible refugee families who have exhausted their initial resettlement support. Resettlement agencies including IRC Seattle and World Relief can connect families to these programs. Additionally, King County's Housing Authority administers federal Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers — refugees with legal status are eligible to apply, though waitlists are long. Your resettlement agency can help you get on the list as early as possible. See our full guide to housing assistance programs in Washington state for more detail on Section 8, rapid rehousing, and emergency shelter pathways.

5. Domestic Violence Resources for Immigrant Survivors

Immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence face barriers that most mainstream DV programs were not built to address. An abusive partner may control immigration documents, threaten to deport the survivor, or use cultural and community pressure to prevent disclosure. What many survivors do not know is that federal law provides specific, powerful protections designed exactly for this situation.

For a full guide to domestic violence resources in Washington state — including shelter listings by region, safety planning, and legal aid — see our comprehensive DV guide.

VAWA Protections for Immigrant Survivors

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) allows certain immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking to self-petition for legal status without the cooperation of the abuser. This means that even if your immigration status is tied to an abusive U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or parent, you may be able to independently petition for protection. VAWA self-petitioners may also be eligible for public benefits. Critically, VAWA protections apply to all genders — men, women, and nonbinary individuals can all access VAWA relief. An immigration attorney or accredited representative at a resettlement agency can help you determine eligibility.

U-Visa: Protection for Crime Victims

The U-visa is a federal immigration protection available to victims of certain serious crimes — including domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and other qualifying offenses — who have suffered abuse and are helpful, have been helpful, or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. The U-visa provides temporary legal status and work authorization, and after three years may lead to lawful permanent residence. Applying requires certification from a law enforcement agency. Legal aid organizations and resettlement agencies can help you navigate this process.

T-Visa: Protection for Trafficking Survivors

The T-visa provides immigration protection specifically for survivors of severe forms of human trafficking. T-visa holders are eligible for most federal public benefits, including Refugee Cash Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, and employment authorization. T-visa status can also lead to lawful permanent residence. If you or someone you know may be a trafficking survivor, ACRS, ReWA, and IRC Seattle all have staff who can provide confidential support and help connect to T-visa legal assistance.

YWCA DV Services — Regardless of Immigration Status

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish provides domestic violence services to all survivors regardless of immigration status. Services include emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, safety planning, and counseling. YWCA DV advocates are trained to support immigrant survivors and can connect them to immigration legal resources. Contact the YWCA 24-hour DV hotline at (800) 796-0045 or visit ywcaworks.org.

ReWA Domestic Violence Program

ReWA's dedicated domestic violence program is one of the most culturally specific DV resources in Washington state for refugee and immigrant women. ReWA DV advocates speak multiple languages, understand the cultural dimensions of family violence in refugee communities, and provide safety planning, case management, legal advocacy, and emergency support without requiring any particular immigration status. Contact ReWA at (206) 721-0243.

6. Financial Assistance & Employment for Refugee Families

Financial assistance for refugee families in Washington state is tied closely to immigration status and time since arrival. Here is a clear breakdown of who qualifies for what.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) provides time-limited cash grants to newly arrived refugees, asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, SIV holders, and certain other eligible humanitarian populations who are not eligible for TANF. RCA provides cash support for up to 8 months from the date of arrival in the U.S. (or from the date of asylum grant). Single adults and childless couples can qualify for RCA — unlike TANF, which primarily serves families with children. Apply through DSHS or your resettlement agency as soon as possible after arrival; the 8-month clock starts from the date of U.S. entry, not from when you apply.

Matching Grant Program

The Matching Grant Program is a federal employment program administered by resettlement agencies as an alternative to cash assistance. Instead of RCA, families receive intensive employment services, case management, and support to reach economic self-sufficiency within 120 days of enrollment. Matching Grant often results in faster employment and better long-term economic outcomes than RCA alone. IRC Seattle and World Relief both administer Matching Grant programs in Washington state. Ask your resettlement agency whether you are eligible and whether Matching Grant is the right fit for your family's situation.

DSHS, SNAP, and WIC by Immigration Status

Eligibility for DSHS programs, SNAP (food stamps), and WIC depends on immigration status:

• Refugees, asylees, SIV holders, T-visa holders: Eligible for SNAP, WIC, Medicaid/Apple Health, and most DSHS programs. Time-limited restrictions may apply in the first 5 years for some programs.
• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) — 5+ years: Generally eligible for all federal programs including SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF.
• LPRs — under 5 years: Limited federal eligibility; may qualify for state-funded programs in Washington, including state-funded SNAP and Medicaid through Apple Health.
• Undocumented immigrants: Not eligible for federal SNAP or Medicaid (except emergency Medicaid). Eligible for WIC regardless of status. Children born in the U.S. are eligible as U.S. citizens regardless of parents' status. Some county and city-level food programs also serve undocumented families.

To apply for DSHS benefits, visit dshs.wa.gov or call 1-877-501-2233. Interpreter services are available. Your resettlement agency can also help you apply and understand which programs you qualify for.

7. Mental Health & Trauma Recovery for Refugee Families

Refugees arrive in Washington state carrying experiences that mainstream mental health systems are often not equipped to address. Trauma from war, persecution, detention, loss of family members, and the displacement journey itself does not simply resolve when a family arrives in safety. For many, the resettlement period — with its intense stress, isolation, and uncertainty — actually brings suppressed trauma to the surface.

Culturally competent, trauma-informed mental health support is not a secondary need — it is foundational. A family cannot stabilize housing, pursue employment, or maintain health when untreated trauma is driving the household. For a full guide to mental health resources in Washington state, including crisis lines, low-cost therapy, and trauma-informed programs, see our dedicated mental health guide.

Washington State Refugee Health Program

The Washington State Refugee Health Program (administered by the Department of Health) provides free health screenings for newly arrived refugees within 90 days of arrival. Screenings include mental health assessment, infectious disease testing, dental screening, and referrals to ongoing care. The program also connects families to community health resources and case management. Contact the Refugee Health Program at (360) 236-3575 or ask your resettlement agency to help schedule your screening.

Culturally Competent Providers in Washington State

Several organizations in Washington state offer mental health care specifically designed for refugee and immigrant communities:

• ACRS (Asian Counseling and Referral Service): Mental health counseling in dozens of Asian languages, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Somali, and more. Accepts Apple Health (Medicaid). Call (206) 695-7600.
• Community House Mental Health Agency: Provides outpatient mental health services in Seattle, including services for refugees and immigrants. Accepts Medicaid.
• Sea Mar Community Health Centers: Federally qualified health centers across Washington state providing mental health, substance use, and primary care services to underserved communities including immigrants and refugees. Sliding-scale fees available. Visit seamar.org.
• Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care: Provides mental health and substance use services in South King County, including programs for refugees and immigrants. Call (253) 833-7444.

8. How Bossplayah Haven's Comprehensive Sanctuary Model Serves Refugee & Immigrant Families

The reality for many refugee and immigrant families in Washington state is that crises do not come one at a time. Housing instability, domestic violence, mental health strain, financial hardship, and the social isolation of building a new life in a foreign country arrive all at once. The existing system — resettlement agencies, DSHS benefits, county housing programs, community mental health centers — offers real and valuable resources. But it requires families to navigate those resources across many different agencies, each with its own intake process, language access capacity, eligibility rules, and waitlist.

That is the problem Bossplayah Haven's Comprehensive Sanctuary Model was built to address. Haven brings four pillars of support into a single, seamless path — eliminating the referral loop that leaves the most vulnerable families behind.

• Single Parent & Family Stability — Many refugee and immigrant families are headed by single parents — women who have fled violence, men who have arrived without family, parents rebuilding after separation. Haven provides practical navigation support for single parents across housing, benefits, legal rights, and family wellbeing.
• Domestic Violence Recovery — For immigrant DV survivors navigating the intersection of abuse, immigration status, and housing instability, Haven walks alongside you through safety planning, legal resource connection, and the step-by-step work of rebuilding safety and stability. No judgment about documentation status. No referral to agencies that may not understand your situation.
• Homelessness Prevention — Housing instability is one of the most common crises for refugee and immigrant families — especially after the initial resettlement window closes. Haven connects families to emergency rental assistance, housing advocacy, and stability resources before a housing risk becomes a housing loss.
• Addiction Recovery Support — Trauma and displacement are among the strongest predictors of substance use disorder. Haven provides compassionate, integrated addiction recovery support that holds the full context of a family's situation — not just the addiction in isolation.

Haven serves all genders and all backgrounds. Refugee and immigrant families are explicitly welcome — including undocumented families navigating systems that feel designed to exclude them.

If you are looking for refugee resources Washington state families can actually use — or if someone you love is navigating housing, safety, or stability in the middle of everything else that comes with starting over in a new country — Haven is here. You tell your story once. We carry it with you from there. Sanctuary & Support for Lasting Change.