Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) provides a bridge for refugees (individuals who have had to flee their countries of origin due to the tragedies of persecution and war) and other new arrivals from their former life experiences to the new skills required for success in the United States. Through a focus on economic self-sufficiency, community integration, and a respect for unique cultures, history and traditions, RAIS creates an environment of compassion and encouragement for refugees to flourish.

In federal fiscal year 23, RAIS served 582 new arrivals in Alaska

Donate        Support RAIS        Volunteer

Get Help from RAIS

To enroll in refugee services or to see if you are eligible, please contact Barbi Cupper, at bcupper@cssalaska.org or 907-222-7365

Requirements for accessing services:

  • RAIS can serve all Office of Refugee Resettlement eligible clients statewide. This includes refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitant entrants, Victims of Human Trafficking, and Special Immigrant Visas from Iraq and Afghanistan within 5 years of their date of eligibility.
  • RAIS can also serve Afghan Humanitarian Parolees and Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees within specific time periods.

Useful Resources

For an overview of the vetting process for refugees and information about sponsoring new Americans, please refer to the Alaska Office for Refugees.

RAIS in the News

The Anchorage Daily News has highlighted the impact of President Donald Trump’s executive order, which has abruptly suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program as of January 27. This decision canceled the flights of 22 refugees who had already been approved for resettlement in Alaska this February, leaving many families in limbo, according to Issa Spatrisano, Alaska’s State Refugee Coordinator.

This policy directly affects community members like Rebecca Chol and Sofia Omar, who have been waiting years to reunite with their families. These incredible women sat down with journalist Jenna Kunze to share their stories, shedding light on the real human cost of this suspension. [Read the full article here.]

Despite the pause in new arrivals, Alaska’s refugee resettlement office remains steadfast in its commitment to the over 1,000 refugees and immigrants who have made Alaska home in the past five years. Catholic Social Services continues to provide essential employment, health, and youth services to those in need. “The work doesn’t end because new arrivals aren’t coming,” says Spatrisano.

Now more than ever, community support is critical. With your support, CSS will continue to be a beacon of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to our community. 

Contact Us

Program Director: Brigit Reynolds
Phone: 907.222.7348
Email: breynolds@cssalaska.org

Program Director: Sharese Hughes
Phone: 907-222-7320
Email: shughes@cssalaska.org

Front Desk: 907.222.7300

Locations

Anchorage
Main Center
Location: 4600 DeBarr Rd Suite 201, Anchorage, AK 99508
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Welcome Center
Location: 4135 San Roberto Ave. Anchorage, AK 99508
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 a.m.

Delta Junction
Location: 2855 Alaska Highway, Arwis West Building (2nd floor rooms 2C and 2E), Delta Junction, AK 99737
Mail: PO Box 1006, Delta Jct AK 99737
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wasilla
Location: 1225 W Spruce Ave, Wasilla, AK 99654
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.