In 1993, a small cohort of dedicated humanitarians initiated what would eventually evolve into a significant movement for change throughout the United States and beyond. Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) was established based on the conviction that alleviating poverty and suffering constitutes not only a moral imperative, but also a sacred duty.
At the core of IRUSA’s mission lies a steadfast commitment to delivering relief and development with dignity. IRUSA staff and volunteers lived out this mission in 2024, and their impact was considerable. This year, IRUSA served close to 1 million Americans—an estimated 972,826 people. Here’s a closer look at IRUSA’s impact in 2024.
Tackling Hunger Across the Country
Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in the United States, with more than 44 million individuals facing difficulty in securing food. They’re forced to rely on food banks, pantries, and community organizations to put meals on the table. IRUSA’s food programs confront this issue directly through initiatives such as Ramadan and Qurbani food distributions, hot meals, summer food service, and more. In 2024, IRUSA’s food security programs served a total of about 956,442 people.
IRUSA’s hot meals program in major cities, including Detroit and New York City, provided nutritious meals to 146,000 people in communities where food insecurity is rife. Their summer food service program—a lifeline especially for children and youth who depend on school lunches for nutrition—provided more than 50,000 people with healthy, balanced meals when school was out. For Thanksgiving, IRUSA partnered with 60 organizations to distribute turkeys to 80,000 families across the nation, thereby making the holiday a bit brighter for struggling households.
IRUSA’s Ramadan and Qurbani food distribution programs are among their most significant initiatives tackling food insecurity. This year, IRUSA worked with more than 80 partners to feed over 80,000 people during Ramadan. For Qurbani, IRUSA worked with over 60 partners to provide halal meat to 60,000 people. For many recipients, this may be the only meat they eat all year.
Health Equity and Empowerment
IRUSA recognizes that poverty is deeply intertwined with health inequity, especially in a country where health insurance is tied to employment and the cost of healthcare has steadily increased. Approximately one in 10 individuals in the U.S. lack access to essential health services, often because of social factors such as housing, education, and employment. Through collaboration with clinics across the country, IRUSA endeavors to dismantle these obstacles. These clinics provide free health services, mental health support, and preventative care to at-risk communities, empowering them to pursue healthier lifestyles. In total, IRUSA’s health aid program reached around 15,584 people.
Supporting Refugees in Their New Home
Refugee resettlement is another pivotal domain in which IRUSA excels, and as of late 2024, the organization is becoming certified as an official refugee resettlement agency in the U.S. This is significant because there are so few organizations approved for this work—IRUSA will become just the 11th refugee resettlement agency in the entire country.
IRUSA’s refugee resettlement program delivers essential support during the arduous initial 90 days following a refugee’s arrival in the United States. This assistance encompasses a range of services—from airport pickups to housing and job placement aid to healthcare access and English language classes. IRUSA’s extensive network of partners, strategically located throughout the country, facilitates the process by which newcomers are able to reconstruct their lives with both dignity and hope.
Since IRUSA’s refugee resettlement program was started, it has helped 600 newly arrived refugees. In 2024, the organization aims to have helped over 800 refugees in four states.
Disaster Response: Swift and Compassionate Action
IRUSA’s Disaster Management Team was formed in 2011 to address emergencies throughout the United States. Since then, the team has offered aid in more than 50 disasters, such as floods, wildfires, and multiple hurricanes. In 2024, for example, the organization responded to Hurricane Beryl, delivering immediate relief in the form of food, water, and emergency flood buckets to families in Texas. A few months later, IRUSA responded to Hurricane Helene, which struck Florida in September and moved north into Georgia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee, causing major damage and catastrophic flooding. IRUSA deployed its DMT to perform muck-outs of flood-damaged homes to help families begin to rebuild and to reduce the threat of mold.
Volunteers: The Heartbeat of IRUSA’s Work
Volunteers—nicknamed Blueshirts, due to the bright blue tee-shirts they wear during service projects—act as fundamental support for IRUSA’s operations. These committed individuals, hailing from diverse backgrounds, generously devote their time to assist IRUSA projects throughout the United States. Whether they are engaged in packing meals for areas affected by disasters, handing out turkeys for Thanksgiving, or facilitating refugee resettlement, their contributions are invaluable. For example, by August 2024, Blueshirts had already accumulated over 8,000 hours of service and packed more than 870,000 meals. Their enthusiasm and dedication make IRUSA’s work possible.