Protect Displaced People

HIAS works with communities to ensure displaced women and girls are safe, healthy, and protected from sexual and physical violence. Our anti-violence programming for women and girls focuses on reducing the risk of sexual exploitation, trafficking, domestic abuse, and other types of violence. We believe everyone has a role to play in keeping women and girls safe, so we engage entire communities — men, women, boys, and girls. These lifesaving programs ensure all survivors of sexual or domestic violence can access services and improve their safety and overall wellbeing amidst extremely challenging circumstances.

"The program taught women to value themselves, to love themselves."
-Tibisai, a program participant and community leader in Ecuador

Forty percent of displaced people worldwide are under the age of 18. HIAS’ child protection programming strengthens safe environments for at-risk children and promotes positive parenting. HIAS works with children, adolescents, parents, and caregivers to implement community-based protection (CBP) strategies that lower the risk of violence. HIAS fosters peace, dialogue, and creativity within communities and in child-friendly spaces where young people’s rights are respected.

“The space helps me a lot. I can keep working knowing my children are in a safe place.”
-Emmanuela, a Burundian refugee who received protection services from HIAS Kenya for her two children

Finding housing is one of the first — and often most challenging — issues that refugees face in a new country. HIAS’ housing coordinators work with clients to identify safe and affordable housing options, overcome barriers in the rental market, and build relationships with landlords. HIAS also partners with Airbnb to provide temporary safe housing for refugees across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe.

“It’s really comforting for us as a family to help people. We want to help them, and we want them to forget about everything that they’ve gone through for a while.”
-Jorge, Airbnb host for refugees in Latin America

More than 673 million people experienced hunger in 2024. HIAS directly provides food assistance through programs that facilitate access to nourishment. We advocate for healthy dietary practices via inclusive, community-oriented, and intercultural initiatives.

“Beyond material assistance from HIAS, I would like to emphasize that humanitarian aid contributes greatly to building a better future for every child, without any discrimination.”
-Khamis, a Sudanese refugee in Chad

Historically, the United States has been among the world’s leaders in refugee resettlement, and this work lies at the heart of HIAS’ mission in the U.S. We are one of 10 primarily faith-based organizations partnering with the federal government to help refugees restart their lives. In communities across the United States, our refugee resettlement network helps refugees settle into their new homes, learn English, access employment services, and become part of their new communities. Through our Welcome Circles, HIAS also mobilizes Jewish, interfaith, and secular communities to take an active role in resettling their new neighbors and supporting the integration of refugees.