ABOUT US
Help Refugees is a refugee charity with minimal overheads and maximum impact
We help where the need is greatest.
We are pioneering a new movement in humanitarian aid: fast, flexible, and transparent.
We fill the gaps and act where others won’t. Sometimes that means search & rescue boats. Sometimes it means providing safe, secure long-term housing.
Whatever we do, we get your funds to the people who need them most as quickly as possible. 89% of your donations go directly towards supporting refugees.
– We are among the most efficient refugee charities in Europe
– We’ve had thousands of volunteers
– We’re funded by people like you
– We don’t have any highly paid executives
– We provide vital aid to people fleeing war, persecution and poverty
– Read more in our Impact Report
“Help Refugees have fed the hungry and housed the homeless, and there are people living now thanks to them who would otherwise be dead.”
The Guardian
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things
Help Refugees started as nothing more than a hashtag in August 2015. A group of friends wanted to raise $1,500 and fill a van full of donations to take down to Calais. Within a week, we had raised $86,000. We were soon receiving 7,000 items every day.
Fast forward three years, and we have helped almost 1 million people, managed over 30,000 volunteers, and we support more 80 projects across Europe and the Middle East. We take a fieldwork-first approach to aid, establishing local networks and working with local partners to deliver projects.
Boosted by the support of high-profile musicians, filmmakers and actors who joined our ‘Choose Love’ campaign, and together with our partners, volunteers, fundraisers, and supporters, we have pioneered a new movement in humanitarian response – ordinary people helping other ordinary people in need in the most direct of ways.
We believe in…
Human dignity
We believe in treating everyone with humanity and respect.
Building community
We always prioritise working with local organisations and refugees themselves.
Acting quickly
We move fast to help where the need is greatest. Minimal red tape or bureaucracy.
Speaking out
We speak out against injustice. We believe in advocating for long term change.
Empowering people
We aim to enable refugees to take control over their lives with our work.
Staying independent
We will always be an independent organisation, funded by people like you.