Our story: Cultivating Community and Connection

At the Refugee Collective, we believe that true resettlement begins with dignity, purpose and community. Founded in 2009, our Austin-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit creates fair-wage livelihood opportunities for refugees and immigrants by building bridges between the traditional, deeply respected skills that our resilient team members bring from their home countries and the growing Texas market for local food and sustainable textiles.

Our work does not happen in a vacuum, it is deeply rooted in history and place. Our farm in Elgin sits on land within the historic Littig Freedman Colony, a settlement founded by Jackson Morrow, a formerly enslaved man, and later home to the first Black postmaster in Texas. Through our meaningful partnership with the Littig Preservation Alliance, we are dedicated to honoring this profound heritage of land stewardship, resilience and freedom.

Simultaneously we continue to push artistic boundaries. Thanks to funding from the City of Austin's Elevate grant, our textile studio is constantly launching new creative collections that celebrate the diverse cultural tapestries of our refugee artisans

2026 Farm to Table Harvest Dinner

Team Members