Inland Refugee Society of British Columbia (IRS-BC) is a non-profit, non-governmental agency dedicated to assisting families and individuals seeking refugee protection in Canada.
Since 1984, IRS-BC has addressed poverty, hunger, homelessness and social integration amongst refugee claimant newcomers in Metro Vancouver.
Mission Statement
The purpose of IRS-BC is to assist and support refugee claimants in meeting their immediate needs and in adapting to their new home. The activities the Society carries out to fulfill its purpose include:
- Providing or arranging for basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter and transportation;
- Providing orientation and information about life in Canada and making referrals where applicable; and
- Other activities the Society deems necessary to fulfill the Society’s purpose.
IRS-BC’s key services include:
- Free English Classes
- Housing Referrals
- Foodbank
- Clothing and Basics
- Photographs for Refugee Application Forms
Inland Refugee Society is part of the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR), the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies Services (AMSSA), and VRSA, Vancouver Refugee Services Alliance, which is comprised of Settlement Orientation Services (SOS), the Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISS), and the Mennonite Central Committee of BC. IRS-BC is a participant member of the CCR’s National Housing Group and, locally, co-chairs the Housing Working Group of the Canadian Red Cross First Contact program. We also work with the Bridge Community Health Clinic to provide a Community Kitchen program for refugees.
We are generously supported by:
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- The City of Vancouver
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- BC Ministry of Housing and Social Development
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- Vancity
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- Mazon
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- The Honourable Mary McNeil, Minister of Citizens’ Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau, presents a cheque from the Province of British Columbia to IRS-BC Director of Refugee Services Mario Ayala (centre) and Heberto Reyes.
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- BC Gaming cheque award
