RISC Resource Guide
Are you an immigrant in Hampton Roads, or a person wanting to help? Take a look at this list of non-profits and cultural organizations to get involved with. Please email us if you have any questions.
Office of New Americans (ONA)
ONA was established in 2020 to promote the economic and civic success of Virginia's diverse immigrant communities. It is responsible for the implementation of a statewide strategy to provide immigrants with comprehensive assistance related to employment, housing, healthcare, education, citizenship and other services. Email ONA here.
Hampton Roads Resource Handbook
Eastern Shore Resource Handbook
Afghan Refugee Resources
Ukrainian Refugee Resources
Guide to Filing Taxes
Non-Profit Organizations
This list includes charities, legal aid groups, food pantries, advocacy organizations and more that serve the immigrant & refugee populations in Southeastern Virginia.
Hampton Roads Refugee Relief
A 501(C)(3) that helps build stronger, more inclusive communities on the Peninsula and throughout Hampton Roads by offering the refugee community English language classes, health screenings, educational support, citizenship test preparation, clothing and household goods, education grants, emergency rental and mortgage relief.
Sign up to be a volunteer.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Interfaith Immigrant Legal Assistance Fund (IILA)
A fund that provides immigrants without legal status who reside in south Hampton Roads with financial assistance for their legal needs related to their immigration case. Grants are available up to a maximum of $500.
William & Mary Law School Immigration Clinic
Students in the clinic engage with immigration law matters including assisting non-citizens in navigating the immigration process, participating in community outreach and education, and conducting policy research and advocacy.
Agricultural Workers Advocacy Coalition (AWAC)
A group of organizations and individuals, including workers, whose mission is to serve as advocates for and friends of migrant agricultural workers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Capital Area Immigrant Rights Coalition
The only organization in the region that works alongside immigrant children and adults detained by the government offering legal representation, social services, and impact litigation.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Coastal ESOL
Coastal ESOL provides free leveled English and citizenship classes designed to help individuals learn how to communicate in English. Located in Newport News.
Facebook Page and Email
Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC)
A non-profit that provides life-changing human services to vulnerable individuals and families, including immigrants and refugees, throughout Virginia. CCC offers quality and compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith.
Sign up to be a volunteer.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC)
A statewide organization that partners with communities and clients to fight for racial, social, and economic justice and to protect immigrant communities, fight the separation of immigrant families, end ICE abuses of immigrants, and include immigrants in state benefits like in-state tuition.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Dos Santos Food Pantry & Thrift Store
A volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization serving the immigrant and farm worker communities on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and organizing drives to distribute food, gifts, and other items to those in need on the Eastern Shore. Also operates a charitable thrift store in Onley.
Website, Email, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Hispanic Resource Center of Coastal Virginia
A group that focuses on the advancement of the socio-economic conditions of the community at large, with emphasis on Hispanics.
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center
A nonprofit that helps victims of violence and injustice in the Hispanic community access linguistic and cultural specific services to overcome adversities.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia
An organization that provides free legal services in civil matters to qualifying low-income Virginians.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
South University
South University in downtown Virginia Beach will offer a free, 10-week ESL (English as a Second Language) class, 6-8pm on Thursdays starting Sept. 5. Open to all adults. If interested, contact tbibi@southuniversity.edu.
Cultural Organizations (by region represented)
Middle Eastern & Islamic
Peninsula Islamic Community Center
An Islamic center and hub of Islamic activity in Hampton Roads offering comprehensive Islamic programs and services.
Website and Facebook Page
Hampton Islamic Center
A mosque in Hampton that serves as a spiritual and educational center for the Muslim community, and as a cultural center for the community at large.
Muslim Community of Tidewater
A non-profit organization dedicated to serving all human beings, regardless of faith, color, origin, and creed of the service seeker.
Website and Facebook Page
Saint George Coptic Orthodox Church
A church with a mission to spread spiritual knowledge while maintaining Egyptian culture and Coptic heritage.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Persian Cultural Society of Hampton Roads
An organization that aims to celebrate Persian heritage and hold cultural events.
Persian Cultural Club of Hampton Roads
An organization dedicated to celebrating Persian culture and bringing the community together.
South Asian
Hindu Temple of Hampton Roads
A cultural and religious hub for Indians in the Hampton Roads area.
Website and Facebook Page
Hampton Roads Malayalee Association (HRMA)
An organization dedicated to provide a forum for Malayalees to come together and celebrate the culture and heritage of Kerala.
Website and Facebook Page
Asian Indians of Hampton Roads (AIHR)
An organization to promote the cultural heritage of the people of Asian Indian origin.
Website and Facebook Page
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
A volunteer-driven fellowship dedicated to improving society by fostering Hindu values of faith, service and global harmony.
Taste of India
An organization that organizes an annual Indian cultural event occurring in April in ODU’s Ted Constant Convocation Center.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Nepalese Community of Hampton Roads
An organization that aims to bring awareness about Nepalese tradition and bring together the Nepalese community.
Website and Facebook Page
Indian Heritage Foundation
A place in Hampton Roads where all people of Indian origin can come freely to worship, interact culturally, and enjoy the fellowship.
Southeast Asian & Chinese
Asian Pacific American Heritage Organization (APAHO)
An organization working to celebrate and raise awareness of the many important contributions made by Pacific Americans.
Website and Facebook Page
Filipino American Community of Hampton Roads
An organization that promotes news and events involving Filipino Americans in Hampton Roads.
Filipino American National Historical Society - Hampton Roads Chapter
An organization that aims to spread awareness about the Filipino-American community and their accomplishments.
Website and Facebook Page
Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia
A vibrant cultural center for the Philippine-American community of the Hampton Roads region.
Philippine-American Community of the Peninsula (PACP)
A group of Philippine-Americans wishing to connect to their culture and bring the community together.
United Ilocano Association of Tidewater (UIAT)
An organization that has roots in the Ilocano heritage & promotes its culture within the community.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Dong Hung Temple - Buddhist Education Center
An educational center working to promote and educate the community about the Buddhist beliefs, hailing from Vietnam.
Website and Facebook Page
Peninsula Chinese American Association
An organization with a mission to organize members for meetings and meaningful activities and to foster understanding among those interested in Chinese culture.
Vietnamese Community of Hampton Roads, VA (VCHR-VA)
An organization with the mission of bringing together the local Vietnamese-American community and celebrate its rich heritage.
Tidewater African Cultural Alliance (TACA)
Africans of the Diaspora who strive to unite the greater Tidewater community.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
African
Nigerian Women's Association - Hampton Roads Virginia
A group of Nigerian women or spouses of Nigerian men who believe in sisterhood through the doings of excellence.
Ogene Ndi Igbo Women's Association of Hampton Roads Virginia
A group of Igbo women in the Hampton Roads region who wish to connect with their heritage.
Latin American/Caribbean
Virginia Caribbean-American Cultural Association
An organization aimed at bringing quality performing arts and cultural experiences to the community while serving as a charitable provider to the economically vulnerable.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page
Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads
An organization that believes in the preservation of Panamanian culture through authentic folkloric dances and art displays.
West Indies United
A Hampton Roads-based organization focusing on the culture of the West Indian/Caribbean community.
European
Tidewater Ukrainian Culture Association (TUCA)
An association of Ukrainian Americans in Southeastern Virginia.
Website and Facebook Page
Irish American Society of Tidewater
A community organization of Irish-Americans who wish to connect with their heritage and bring the community together.
Website and Facebook Page
Hampton Roads Sons of Norway
Sons of Norway chapter for Hampton Roads, VA. Satellite lodge is the Williamsburg Norge Norsemen.
Website and Facebook Page
Icelandic American Association of Hampton Roads
A group of Icelandic-Americans wishing to reconnect with their Icelandic roots.
Scottish Society of Tidewater
A 501(c)(3) organization that exists to promote the preservation and study of Scottish culture, including music, art, history, folklore, dance, literature, and athletics.
Website, Instagram, and Facebook Page