Who we are
Our vision is a nation where communities and newcomers thrive together, supported by resilient policies and a lasting culture of welcome.
Where we started
We were founded on the belief that Americans are at their best when helping neighbors, building stronger communities, and living out the values that shape our lives as Americans, regardless of the divides that often shape our national politics.
Welcome.US began in response to the fall of Kabul in August 2021. Afghan allies who had served alongside American forces needed immediate refuge and our traditional refugee resettlement was not equipped to respond at the scale that moment demanded.
Then, as war erupted in Ukraine, Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes. While government systems struggled to respond quickly, something remarkable happened: millions of Americans stepped up to provide welcome.
What started as an emergency response became something much larger—an initiative revealing the welcoming spirit at the heart of America and offering a path toward healing our divides.
What we learned
We discovered something powerful: When Americans take the lead, communities thrive. Over 2 million Americans across 12,000 zip codes in every state have stepped up to provide welcome to newcomers in need—because it's what neighbors do. They come from small towns, suburbs, and cities, from every faith and walk of life. What unites them is simple: pride in their communities and a belief that America is strongest when we live out our values of service and opportunity.
Our work
By equipping people with practical tools and connecting them with fellow community members, we’re bringing Welcomers together to lead on solutions that strengthen their communities from the ground up–a tradition as old as America itself.
Empowering communities
Through our Welcome Fund, we've invested over $19 million in 240 grants across 38 states, supporting community organizations that increase local welcoming capacity. These grants go straight to churches, nonprofits, and local service groups.
DonateBuilding connections
Welcomers in all 50 states are already supporting newcomers and strengthening their communities. By connecting them and amplifying their impact, we make it simple for Americans to get involved in ways that fit the needs of their community.
VolunteerShifting the conversation
We tell the stories of everyday Americans–neighbors, church families, veterans, and farmers–whose lives have been transformed by welcoming. These are stories that are often overlooked in a national conversation that is more focused on the political debate on immigration policy.
StoriesEquipping Welcomers
We provide Welcomers with trusted information, tools to make their voices heard, and opportunities to get involved in ways that are authentic to their values.
Get involvedOur impact
2,500,000+
Over 2,500,000 Americans have taken acts of welcome to support newcomers seeking refuge in the U.S. as they settle into their new communities.
61,000+
Over 61,000 volunteers mobilized nationwide.
110M+
Over 110 million people reached through our Be a Welcomer campaign.
250
250 local organizations supported by the Welcome Fund.
215,000
Over 215,000 messages sent to every member of Congress in support of welcoming programs.
Get involved
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