Our Story
Our Mission
The Refugee Collective employs refugees and immigrants in fair-wage, dignified work through two social enterprises: a textile manufacturing studio and an organic farm. Our enterprises are built at the intersection of the traditional, respected skills of sewing and farming that refugees bring and a growing market for local food & textile production.
About Us
The Refugee Collective is a 501(c)3 nonprofit social enterprise employing refugees in a textile manufacturing studio and an organic farm.
Our primary focus of refugee livelihoods is supported through innovative initiatives including culturally desired food access for refugees, positive environmental impact through regenerative agriculture, sustainable textile manufacturing exemplified in our “Farm to Fiber” line of products, and individualized wraparound support for refugee team members.
Our Beginnings
The Refugee Collective began as the Multicultural Refugee Coalition (MRC) in 2009 by 2 Liberian refugees (Johnson Doe and Paul Tiah) and 2 American women (Meg Erskine and Sarah Stranahan) to build a bridge of community support for refugees resettled to Austin. Early efforts included a community center in the heart of the refugee community offering sewing, kids programs, citizenship classes, community gardens and much more. Celebrating 15 years in 2024, the organization has rebranded to The Refugee Collective to better represent our work in social enterprise, providing livelihood opportunities for refugees in sewing and farming.
THE REFUGEE EXPERIENCE
There are over 79.5 million forcibly displaced people in the world right now.
Austin is home to 12,000 refugees, asylees
and special immigrant visa holders.
While many refugees come to the U.S. with skills in agriculture and sewing, earning a living in these industries in the United States can be difficult.
57,000 Refugees
Recorded arrivals in Texas between 2010 and 2019—more than any other state in the U.S.
3-6 Month Support
Average duration of support from local resettlement agencies after refugees’ arrival in the U.S.
Countries of Origin
Top origin countries of refugees resettled in Texas in 2024: Afghanistan, Burma, DR Congo, Cuba, and Iraq.