What is Private Sponsorship?

Private Sponsorship is a new U.S. program that enables everyday Americans to join together and resettle refugees within their communities. This program, facilitated by the Welcome Corps, supplements existing pathways to create more opportunities for welcoming refugees.

What is the Welcome Corps?

The Welcome Corps is a new private sponsorship initiative by the U.S. Refugee Admission Program, allowing groups to sponsor and resettle refugees. Sponsors play a crucial role in welcoming, supporting, and assisting refugees as they integrate into their new communities in the U.S.

Starting in late 2023, PSGs can nominate specific refugees, potentially reuniting family members.

What is Trellus’ Role in Private Sponsorship?

Trellus is an accredited Private Sponsor Organization through the Welcome Corps. Trellus recruits and supports Private Sponsor Groups (PSGs) as they prepare for, receive, and care for refugee newcomers. The Trellus Team provides resources and training to volunteers, ensuring that all of Trellus’ current programs continue alongside the new sponsorship pathway.

Who are the refugees welcomed under this program?

Refugees welcomed through private sponsorship have fled their country due to war or persecution and are approved for resettlement by the U.S. Refugee Admission Program.

Is private sponsorship good for refugees?

Private sponsorship expands lawful pathways for those fleeing persecution to rebuild their lives and thrive. While the process can be challenging, Trellus has decades of experience working with refugees and displaced populations, providing support to both sponsors and refugees.

How is the Welcome Corps different from other sponsorship programs?

Refugees being resettled through the U.S. Refugee Admission Program receive initial assistance in one of two ways: through nonprofit resettlement agencies or by community sponsors like you. Welcome Corps sponsors work in groups of five or more to engage directly in refugee resettlement. Each group receives guidance and support from experts on navigating sponsorship.

How can I get involved with Private Sponsorship?

You can form a Private Sponsor Group (PSG) to resettle a refugee individual or family in your community or you can volunteer, donate, or advocate today and be part of the journey that fosters hope and hospitality.

How do I become a Private Sponsor?

American citizens and permanent residents can form a group of five or more individuals who are over the age of 18 and living in or near the same community, complete application process, undergo a background check, and demonstrate sufficient resources.

What are a Private Sponsor Group’s responsibilities?

Private Sponsor Groups commit to providing essential services to arriving refugees for their first 90 days in the community. This includes securing and furnishing housing, meeting initial basic needs, and connecting refugees to services such as healthcare, education, and employment. Most importantly, they offer friendship and support.

Trellus provides PSGs with tools and resources, including an arrival checklist and ongoing guidance.

What is the financial commitment to sponsor a refugee?

Sponsors must raise a minimum of $2,425 in cash and in-kind contributions for each refugee newcomer. This fund is used to secure and furnish housing and cover the refugee’s initial basic needs.

How is my group matched with a refugee or family we do not know?

As part of the application process, your group will be asked about the family size you are able to support, languages spoken by members of your group, and information about your community’s resources. This information helps the Welcome Corps identify a refugee family that can benefit from the support of your community.

How can I apply to sponsor someone I know?

You must complete an application, including answering questions on how your group will fulfill your sponsorship responsibilities. You will also need to provide information about the refugee(s) you wish to sponsor so they can be referred to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Your referral will help demonstrate whether the individual(s) you would like to sponsor may qualify as a refugee.

Do Private Sponsors need to live in the Chicago area to be served by Trellus?

Private Sponsor Groups in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin can partner with Trellus. There are no geographic restrictions within these three states for Trellus to serve as your Private Sponsor Organization. If you’re interested in learning more about Private Sponsorship, we’d love to talk with you.

We walk alongside volunteers every step of the way. Ready to learn more? Email welcome@mytrellus.org to get started.

Has private sponsorship been done elsewhere?

Yes, private sponsorship has been successful in countries like Canada and Australia and has been part of U.S. resettlement efforts historically. Recently, the U.S. has used private sponsorship to resettle people from Afghanistan, Ukraine, Venezuela, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Cuba. This new program broadens the scope to include refugees from around the world.

Is Trellus assisting with private sponsorship?

Yes, in June 2024, the Welcome Corps announced Trellus as a formally certified Private Sponsorship Organization. Trellus leverages its experience to equip more community and faith-based groups eager to extend their welcome.