Groups of everyday Australians can now support refugee arrivals under the ‘CRISP’ program - the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot.

What’s involved?

• An independent and self-directed group of 5+ adult volunteers are trained by Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) to support newly arrived refugees.
• Refugee participants in urgent need of resettlement are referred into the program by the UNHCR and matched with a volunteer group.
• Refugee participants arrive as permanent residents with full Centrelink and Medicare entitlements.
• The group will offer a warm welcome and a soft landing. They will raise funds towards their efforts to support the initial needs of the refugee household, and help them get to know their new neighbourhood.
• The group will support the refugee household to enrol in government services, enrol in school, and pursue their aspirations based on their own needs and capabilities.

Who can apply?

Anybody! You don’t need any special skills - just the desire to be an ally to a newcomer. If you've lived in Australia, you've got the know-how and experience to empower newly-arrived refugees to navigate life here.

The program operates all over Australia – it's just as appropriate for rural people who’d like to welcome new arrivals as it is for their city cousins.

Do I need to already have a group of five people?

No – but it’s a good time to start having some conversations with friends. We've got some tips for finding a group, as well as a Facebook page where you can find like-minded individuals and form a group.