Refugee Services:
Trauma-Informed Resettlement

RAICES is a leading provider of trauma-informed social services dedicated to the successful resettlement and community integration of refugees, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, Asylees, and other ORR-eligible populations, including Afghan and Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, in San Antonio, Texas. Led by Refugee Services Director Marisol Girela, LCSW, our mission is to empower newcomers to achieve lasting self-sufficiency through comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and gender-inclusive support services and case management.

"We are on a very tight time crunch to get families set up so they can be self-sustaining as quickly as possible. This is where donations really make a difference. The more kindness we see from the community, the more of their own money they can keep as they build a new life."

— Marisol Girela, LCSW, Refugee Services Director

  • Program of Initial Resettlement

    Resettlement services for newly-arrived refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and certain others with immediate needs under a public-private partnership, working closely with partners in the community to supplement federal funding through volunteers and donations.

  • Matching Grant

    Services under a public-private partnership, supporting refugees and other eligible populations become self-sufficient through employment within 240 days of arrival to the U.S.

  • Cash and Medical Assistance

    Financial assistance services that support individuals in meeting their most basic needs, including food, shelter, transportation, and medical coverage for those ineligible for Medicaid.

  • Preferred Communities

    Services designed to support the specific needs of refugees with challenging needs that require special attention, including those with serious medical conditions, women at risk, and elderly refugees.

  • Employment Services

    Services that enable access to employment opportunities, including employability assessment, training and job development, job placement, and job maintenance.

  • Social Adjustment Services

    Services extending beyond job placement and English Language Instruction that enable positive community integration, including support completing and following up on application forms and understanding client rights and responsibilities.

  • Refugee Health Promotion

    Services designed to support client well-being, including opportunities to increase health literacy, coordinate physical and mental health care, and organize wellness groups.

  • PC Gaps

    Resettlement services under a public-private partnership for all populations ineligible for Reception and Placement support, including Cuban, Haitian, and Ukrainian community members.

FAQ: San Antonio Community Resource Guide

This is a resource guide for refugees recently resettled in the San Antonio, Texas area. RAICES curates this list of community-based organizations and programs that provide vital services, including: immigration legal aid, emergency housing and financial assistance, healthcare, job placement, and transportation support. Our goal is to support newcomers to put down roots through the power of community.

    • Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: +1 (956) 966-8752

    • Caritas Legal Services: +1 (210) 242-3256

    • American Gateways: +1 (512) 270-1515

    • American Organization for Immigrants: +1 (210) 803-8428

    • Justice For All Immigrants: +1 (210) 610-9768

    • Rays of Freedom: +1 (210) 906-6540

    • Police and Emergency Health Services: 911

    • UTSA Emergency Room: +1 (210) 358-4000

    • Urgent Care Clinic: +1 (210) 358-8145

    • Child Protective Services: +1 (210) 333-2004

    • Haven for Hope: +1 (210) 220-2100

    • Salvation Army Emergency Family and Single Women's Shelter: +1 (210) 352-2020

    • Catholic Charities Emergency Financial Assistance and Family Services: +1 (210) 226-6178

    • San Antonio Community Resource Directory

    • Claude Black Community Center: +1 (210) 207-5233 (utility assistance)

    • Family Center at Willie Velasquez: +1 (210) 207-6000 or 311 (financial counseling, benefits navigation, job­ training, and rent and utility assistance)

    • Bexar County Department of Economic and Community Development: +1 (210) 335-3666 (utility assistance for qualifying residents)

    • SAMMinistries: +1 (210) 340-0302 (rent and utility assistance, veterans services, and long-term housing support)

    • Saint Vincent de Paul Family and Community Assistance Program:  +1 (210) 225-7837 (rent, clothing, and food assistance)

    • Catholic Charities Emergency Financial Assistance and Family Services:  + 1 (210) 226-6178 (rent and utility assistance; services also include adopta-senior, after school program, SNAP assistance, free tax preparation, and free parenting material and education)

    • St. Mary's Housing Hotline:  +1 (210) 570-6135 (legal information, advice, and referrals for individuals facing foreclosure or eviction)

    • Pathways to Coverage:  (Spanish and English) +1 (210) 761-3420 (marketplace health insurance assistance)

      • Pashto and Dari: +1 (210) 772-7853

      • Arabic: +1 (210) 772-5680

    • CommuniCare Advantage:  +1 (210) 233-7000 (specialty care and community resource connections)

    • Refugee Health Services: +1 (210) 644-7951 (vaccines and refugee health screening)

    • San Antonio Food Bank: +1 (210) 337-3663 (provides food assistance and hunger relief services in San Antonio)

    • Saint Vincent de Paul Family and Community Assistance Program: +1 (210) 225-7837 (rent, clothing, and food assistance)

    • Health Confianza: General community health resources

    • San Antonio Community Resource Directory: Comprehensive local social services directory

    • City of San Antonio:  311 (city government non-emergency services)

    • United Way: 211 (general social service, housing, and utility referral helpline)

    • Veterans Benefits Administration:  +1 (800) 827-1000

    • Texas Health and Human Services Commission: +1 (210) 655-8760

  • Minimum qualifications include being age 18 or older and having U.S. work authorization.

    • MJ Morgan Group: +1 (210) 600-9010 

      • English: +1 (443) 799-4998 

      • Spanish/ Español: +1 (240) 424-1410 

      • Nepalese/ Hindu/ Urdu: +1 (443) 310-3223 

      • Swahili: +1 (726) 234-6716 

      • Pashto/ Dari: +1 (726) 777-0035 

      • French/ Français: +1 (726) 234-6716 

    • Darby Day Staffing: +1 (210) 656-9200 (industrial, manufacturing, and professional industry jobs)

    • Luxor Staffing: +1 (210) 858-8040 (production and operations management jobs; shift work and full-time jobs with possible overtime)