The Hanan Relief Group (HRG) is a refugee aid and resettlement organization that also aids immigrants and homeless people. The organization, created in 2016, has a headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, although it also operates internationally. ^{1 2} HRG lists several organizations as partners on its website, including Islamic Relief USA, the U.S. affiliate of Islamic Relief Worldwide, one of the largest Islamic charities in the world. ³

The HRG is also listed as a supporter of the Welcome Corps, a U.S. Department of State initiative that is billed as a private sponsorship program for refugees. The initiative, which uses taxpayer funds, gives control of the resettlement process to “refugee advocates” within the United States. ⁴

Background

The Hanan Relief Group (HRG), formerly known as Hanan Refugees Relief Group, is a refugee aid and resettlement organization that also aids immigrants and homeless people. The organization, created in 2016, has a headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, although it also operates internationally. The organization claims to provide housing, education, medical relief, and work for refugees. ^{1 2 5}

HRG has assisted refugees from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. ⁶

Affiliated Organizations

The Hanan Relief Group (HRG) lists several organizations as partners on its website, including Islamic Relief USA, the U.S. affiliate of Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), one of the largest Islamic charities in the world. ³ Other organizations listed as partners include United Palestinian Appeal, Global Communities, and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. ⁷

HRG is also listed as a supporter of the Welcome Corps, a U.S. Department of State initiative that is billed as a private sponsorship program for refugees. The initiative, which uses taxpayer funds, gives control of the resettlement process to “refugee advocates” within the United States. ⁴

Leadership

The Hanan Relief Group (HRG) was founded in 2016 by Ruba Sarsour, the president of the organization as of October 2025. Sarsour is involved with Physicians for Palestine, a medical advocacy group. ⁵

Sheila Badwan is the vice president of HRG and the executive director of HRG’s Wisconsin chapter. Born in North Carolina, Badwan graduated from East Carolina University in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. ⁸

Badwan is a co-founder of Open Arms, a Milwaukee-based Interfaith group of women. She is also on the advisory board of Our Peaceful Home, a domestic violence program at the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, based in Wisconsin. ⁸

Financials

Hanan Relief Group’s (HRGs) revenue comes from contributions, gifts, and grants, including government grants. ⁹

The organization’s total revenue in 2022 amounted to $443,129, of which $189,756 came from government contributions. HRG’s total expenses came to $572,844 that year, while its net assets amounted to $101,750. ¹⁰

In 2023, the organization’s revenue was over $1.5 million, with nearly $1 million coming from government grants. The organization’s expenses were over $1.2 million, while its net assets amounted to $365,969. ¹¹

1. “Hanan Relief Group – A message from our Executive Director on Hanan Relief Group’s Rebrand.” Facebook. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://www.facebook.com/Hananrrg/videos/a-message-from-our-executive-director-on-hanan-relief-groups-rebrand/1475240353613862/. 
2. “International.” Hanan Relief Group. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://hananrrg.org/international/. 
3. “Home.” Hanan Relief Group. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://hananrrg.org/. 
4. Rush, Nayla. “The Welcome Corps: A ‘Private’ Sponsorship Program for Refugees.” Center for Immigration Studies. March 16, 2023. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://cis.org/Report/Welcome-Corps-Private-Sponsorship-Program-Refugees
5. “Executive Committee.” Hanan Relief Group. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://hananrrg.org/executive-committee/. 
6. Slowey, Ben. “Despite Bleak Political Times, Hanan Relief Group Continues to Serve Refugees.” Shepherd Express. August 27, 2025. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://shepherdexpress.com/news/features/despite-bleak-political-times-hanan-relief-group-continues-t/. 
7. “Home.” Hanan Relief Group. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://hananrrg.org/.
8. “Our Team.” Hanan Relief Group. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://hananrrg.org/our-team/.
9. “Hanan Refugees Relief Group – 2022.” Nonprofit Explorer. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/821762609/202333199349314423/full.
10. “Hanan Refugees Relief Group – 2022.” Nonprofit Explorer. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/821762609/202333199349314423/full.
11. “Hanan Refugees Relief Group – 2023.” Nonprofit Explorer. Accessed October 20, 2025. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/821762609/202433209349316073/full.